How to fly the Auvergne volcanoes in the hot air balloon?

It is said that taking height allows to see things differently. Do you want to discover the Auvergne volcanoes from the air?

The Auvergne volcanoes are a natural attraction located in the heart of the Sancy Massif, near Clermont-Ferrand. On the ground it is possible to go hiking, cycling, horse riding or swimming. Outdoor activities that allow you to discover a little more the amazing natural diversity of the Auvergne volcanoes. Moreover, to explore these hilly lands in a somewhat original way, clubs offer overflights from the area... in a hot air balloon!

Overfly the volcanoes of Auvergne in balloon, or is an original and democratized activity in the region. Several clubs offer guided flights, elevated rides, family or nothing but two. Ready to leave the earth to go to the conquest of the Auvergne from heaven? Fire! We tell you everything there is to know!

History of the Auvergne volcanoes

Representing close to a sixth of France’s surface, the Auvergne volcanoes offer an impressive diversity of landscapes. Formed several million to thousands of years ago, the volcanoes shaped the Auvergne lands until today. If each of them is unique, they all make up chains, including the famous Puys String, which gathers almost 80 volcanoes alone.

These volcanoes are asleep, at the time it is, but we are not immune to a sudden awakening! That said, reassure yourself, it shouldn't happen before a few years, the specialists are at the oars.

Our advice to fly over the Auvergne volcanoes in the hot air balloon

The course of a flight

If you leave early in the morning, the club that welcomes you can offer you a snack or even a breakfast. But, in general, you will start your day with a technical preparation. Ground agents and pilots will explain how to prepare a hot air balloon, the course of the flight and the various information you need. Especially the behavior to be adopted when you find yourself in the nacelle a few hundred meters from the ground. Also, they will answer all your questions, sometimes essential. The flight of the Auvergne volcanoes in the balloon promise you very beautiful views of one of the most impressive landscapes in France. So, you have to be prepared to take your eyes full of it, and that safely.

Flight duration

One balloon flight lasts on average between 1 hour and 1 hour 30. That said, the activity itself will ask you about four hours. In fact, preparation, take-off, flight and landing must be taken into account.

Recommended equipment

It is advisable to be dressed warmly. Even if it is not like winter sports, It is imperative that we be covered, because the winds in the sky may appear cooler than on the ground. Also mix with a scarf and good shoes. Overflying the Auvergne volcanoes in the hot air balloon will not ask for important efforts, but it is better to be comfortably dressed.

Physical condition and limitations

Your physical condition to attend a balloon flight must be good. Indeed, a flight sometimes for more than an hour, you have to stay up. There are no seats in the nacelles. Age is of no importance, but on the other hand, the minimum size is usually set at 1.20 meters.

When do you book a balloon flight?

The best time to fly the Auvergne volcanoes in the hot air balloon is of course the one that extends between April and September. Indeed, spring and summer seasons are the ones that will offer you the most suitable weather conditions. And again, spring may be the best season, because the heat is not yet too important. It must be remembered that the balloon is very dependent on the winds but also on the heat of the air. In the event of a particle, for example, flights are generally cancelled as the hot air complicates the altitude intake.

What to see and what to do near the Auvergne volcanoes?

There's a lot to do about volcanoes. For example, you can visit the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne , an ointment to natural preservation. Also, the Vulcania theme park is nearby. This is a great fun centre, ideal for children, which will teach you a lot about volcanoes and their training. The Auvergnate region is extremely rich, whether it is on the nature side, heritage or gastronomy. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it.

Here's what could look like a day with a hot air balloon flight:

• Morning, you can give you a beautiful air ride over the volcanoes.
• Midday, stay in one of the many restaurants (sometimes starred) of the region, rich in flavors and terroir.
• In the afternoon, go hiking on the hillside, discovering volcanoes from the ground. Or, stroll around one of the big cities around, like Mont-Dore or Salers, very nicely located!
• Tonight, take a little height aboard the hill and watch a beautiful sunset.

How much does a ticket cost to fly over the Auvergne volcanoes in the hot air balloon?

These rates are valid for balloon flights that last for one hour. About all clubs offer this duration.

• Ticket for a child (-12 years) : from 160 €.
• Ticket for adult : from 260 €.
• Ticket for two adults from 490 €.
• Ticket for two adults in private nacelle : 800 €

How do I book an online ticket to fly the Auvergne volcanoes in the hot air balloon?

The clubs that offer to fly over the Auvergne volcanoes in the hot-air balloon allow almost all the online booking. Prices are easily accessible, you can completely choose your formula. Everything is usually done via a specialized or contact form. You will be able to choose the date, time, and sometimes even the take-off area of your flight (which often includes a tariff surcharge). Also, do not hesitate to share your concerns. The person who answers you will be able to reassure you and answer your questions.

How to go to the Auvergne volcanoes?

As the majority of clubs are located near Clermont-Ferrand , or at least close to the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne, you have several possibilities to go there.

• By car: via the highway, Clermont-Ferrand is accessible from all over France.
• By train: from any station near you. The whole thing is to get to Clermont-Ferrand. From there you will reach the other smaller stations located within its radius.

Where to stay near the Auvergne volcanoes?

We advise you to select a hostel or a cottage in the heart of the Auvergne Volcano Park. This will run the local economy and in addition, it will not completely disconnect you from nature. Many cities around you also offer hotels and housing Just a step from the volcanoes. For example, the city of Mont-Dore has more than 170 hotels in the Massif de Sancy.

Logging near the Auvergne volcanoes will allow you to focus at best on the hot air balloon overflight. Indeed, you will only have little road and will be in full shape to admire the volcanic landscape well green!

You are now ready to fly the Auvergne volcanoes in the hot air balloon. Tell us your (next) comment experience!