Our adventure begins at dawn, departing from Cordes sur CielCarried by the winds, we fly over the rolling landscapes of our beautiful Occitan Tuscany. The silence that envelops us, the morning light, the scarves of mist that fray... This hot air balloon flight offers us a unique experience, reconnecting us with nature and the present moment in an indescribable way.
Cordes sur Ciel at dawn
Meet at first light. It's still dark when our small team from the Tourist Office meets at the foot of the medieval city, on the Cordes football field. The silence is complete, only disturbed by the gradual awakening of nature. The morning mist slowly dissipates, while the white light of the dawning day gradually illuminates the countryside. A few deer furtively cross the neighboring field. In the distance, our majestic hilltop city seems to float on its bed of clouds, justifying more than ever its name of "Cordes sur CielIt's early April, the air is still cool. Four pickup trucks arrive, towing two hot air balloons. It's in this enchanting setting that we're preparing to experience our first balloon flight.
Flight preparation
The impressive dimensions of the equipment surprise us: a wicker basket measuring approximately 2 meters by 1,50 meters and a huge, carefully folded canvas envelope. Bernard, our experienced pilot and former aviation instructor, gives us a warm welcome. From the basket, still on the ground, he explains the essential safety instructions: avoid leaning over, don't take risks for photos, and adopt the correct position in case of turbulence.
Then the preparation begins. The team tilts the basket onto its side and carefully unrolls the envelope before securing it securely. We all participate in this set-up: we have to hold, pull, and unfold carefully. The balloon is impressive: 26 meters high and 20 meters wide, with a volume of 4 cubic meters—imagine two Olympic swimming pools or a small building!
The fan starts to inflate the canvas. Once the envelope is partially inflated, we experience a magical moment as we plunge into this "belly" of fabric, a vast cathedral of blue canvas traversed by gentle flapping sounds. Bernard then lights the burner and the hot air begins to slowly right the balloon and then the basket. The spectacle is breathtaking: the hot air balloon stands proudly in the middle of the stadium, ready to carry us away.
On board, there are six of us, plus Bernard. We're spread out across the basket's compartments, separated from the space reserved for the pilot and his equipment. The comfort surprises us: the padded basket, the warm feel of the wicker under our hands, the completely unobstructed 360° view, and the gentle, steady rocking create a surprisingly secure feeling. Even the most apprehensive among us feel perfectly at ease.
A gentle climb
Our hot air balloon rises with reassuring slowness, offering us an exceptional view of Cordes sur Ciel bathed in the morning light. We discover the city as never before: perched on its ridge, with its narrow streets, its
ochre roofs and its protective ramparts. The wind becomes our only guide. We glide gently north, towards the Aveyron gorges.
What immediately strikes you is the silence. An almost absolute silence, broken only by the birdsong and the light rustling of the leaves below. The burner, activated intermittently to maintain our altitude, is the only "sound" that accompanies us—its steady hum quickly becomes familiar and reassuring.
Heading for the Aveyron gorges
Bernard, passionate about his work, shares his knowledge of the altostratus clouds that form a patchwork above our heads. He shows us how to read air movements and spot favorable currents.
Thanks to his explanations, our flight also becomes a true lesson in aeronautics. We fly over the Occitan Tuscan countryside with its gentle, green hills, geometrically shaped fields, and trees just beginning to bloom.
Spring is slowly arriving, dressing the landscape in soft greens.
As we pass over the village of Mouzieys-Panens, we admire its arched bridge and its small, row-like houses. Our gondola descends slightly.
We exchange knowing glances as we point out our discoveries: here, children who greet us enthusiastically, there, a group of roe deer crossing a meadow, or even a majestic stag in its solitude. It's difficult to describe the feeling of fullness that overwhelms us—each of us savors this rare, timeless moment. On the horizon, the cliffs of the Aveyron Gorges gradually emerge through a light, lingering mist. Faced with this immensity, we feel tiny, yet incredibly alive.
Sit down in peace
The wind guides us to an adjacent valley where Bernard prepares for the landing with reassuring calm. No stress, no rush. He reduces the power of the burners and adjusts our descent. Our landing spot is a meadow bordered by groves, with a solitary cherry tree in its center.
The hot air balloon gently touches the ground. Part of the technical team, who followed us in a vehicle, descends and holds the basket, orienting it precisely. We leave the boat, while Bernard, still on board, maneuvers the balloon methodically to deflate.
Folding the envelope is a moment of sharing and conviviality. Together, we fold and store the imposing envelope, as if delicately closing a book after a beautiful story. The atmosphere is joyful, almost festive. The technical team congratulates us and jokes. The flight is over, but the experience continues.
The glass of friendship, the tradition of aeronauts
We drive back to a pleasant picnic area in Mouzieys-Panens. Bernard takes a few bottles of sparkling Gaillac, the famous ancestral method of our region, out of a basket. He then tells us about a tradition born in the 18th century: the first balloonists carried champagne to appease the farmers surprised to see these strange machines land on their land. Today, this moment of sharing has become the symbol of a successful flight and a welcoming ritual in the community of aviation enthusiasts.
We clink glasses together, still imbued with the sensations and images of our trip. This hot air balloon flight is a truly exceptional experience: the excitement of departure, the wonder of the landscapes seen from above, the feeling of freedom in flight, the serenity of the silence, the complicity shared with the team... everything contributes to creating unforgettable memories.
If you're looking for an original way to discover our region, to gain height over our beautiful region and to live an authentic experience, don't hesitate to treat yourself to this moment suspended in the air. A timeless interlude that will deeply connect you to nature and the elements, while offering you a unique perspective on the treasures of our Occitan Tuscany.
How to organize a hot air balloon flight?
Get in touch with ABC of Air Balloons to board a hot air balloon.
What are the best weather conditions for a hot air balloon flight?
Flights are often confirmed the evening before: weather conditions determine the feasibility of the flight. Favorable conditions are: at least 18 km/h wind, no precipitation
How to equip yourself for a good flight?
Depending on the weather, bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and warm clothes. And if you're tall, bring a cap! It's to protect yourself from the heat of the burners.
And in all cases, we dress in natural fiber or with flame-retardant clothing.
Can I go on a hot air balloon ride if I'm afraid of heights?
Some people on the team suffer from vertigo. But not during the flight; no sensation of dizziness was felt. Indeed, it's impossible to experience this discomfort because the basket isn't attached to the ground.
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