Tethered balloon or free flight
| Option | Where | Length | Price read on 30 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballon de Paris Generali (tethered) | Parc André-Citroën, Paris 15th | About 10 min of flight, at 150 m | 20 € (12 and over); 15 € (3 to 11); free under 3 |
| Free flight over Fontainebleau | Fontainebleau forest and château (77) | 3 to 4 h in total, about 1 h airborne | From 199 € (one operator) or 260 € (another) |
| Free flight near Maintenon | About 1 h from Versailles | Depends on the package | From 160 € |
| "South of Paris" flight on GetYourGuide | Fontainebleau, April to October | 1 h flight, a glass of wine included | See the listing; not for under 7s |
The Ballon de Paris in practice
The balloon opens daily at 9:00 and closes 30 to 45 minutes before the park. It does not fly in strong wind or bad weather and can close without notice: check ballondeparis.com before you go. The ticket is not booked for a fixed time; the view takes in the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. Come late in the afternoon for the light, outside the weekend rush.
Balloon flights outside Paris
Free flights usually take off at sunrise or sunset, from April to October according to listings, and depend entirely on the wind: the flight can be postponed the day before. Allow 3 to 4 hours from meeting point to return, with about an hour in the air. Tips are usually not included. One operator lists a child rate of 160 € for ages 6 to 12. For the château visit after the flight, see Fontainebleau from Paris. For the balloon's park, see the Parc André-Citroën page; for a family outing, see Paris with kids.
FAQ
How much is a hot air balloon in Paris? 20 € for the Ballon de Paris (adult), from 199 € for a free flight at Fontainebleau, according to listings of 30 October 2026.
Can you fly over Paris in a free balloon? The sources read offer flights in the suburbs (Fontainebleau, Maintenon), not over Paris itself.
Does the balloon fly in the rain? Not in bad weather or strong wind; it can close without notice.
What is the minimum age? 3 (paying) for the Ballon de Paris; 7 for the "South of Paris" flight on GetYourGuide.
