European Hot Air Balloon Cup
International hot air balloon competition and air show in the Charente sky
About European Hot Air Balloon Cup
A ballet of hot air balloons in the Charente sky
The European Hot Air Balloon Cup is one of the largest aerostatic gatherings in Europe. Organized every two years since 1993 by the association Mainfonds-Aubeville Evènement'Ciel, it brings together about sixty hot air balloons from about fifteen countries for a spectacular competition over the Charente vineyards. The take-offs at sunrise and sunset offer an unforgettable spectacle, with dozens of colorful balloons rising into the sky of southern Charente.
Several launch sites
The competition takes place over several launch sites in Charente and Charente-Maritime: the main site of Mainfonds in Val des Vignes (near Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire), the Génétouze car racing circuit, the Jonzac-Neulles aerodrome and the town of Cognac. This itinerant nature allows spectators to discover the competition from different angles and in varied landscapes of southern Charente.
Air show and activities
Since recent editions, the European Hot Air Balloon Cup has been accompanied by the Nouvelle Aquitaine Air Show, an air show featuring parachute jumps, ultralight aircraft, model aircraft, and aerobatics. In 2024, the 23rd edition also hosted the Women's World Cup for hot air balloons, bringing together the best female pilots in the world. More than 80 balloons offered an unforgettable spectacle against the backdrop of Charente sunsets.
A popular and family-friendly event
With up to 70,000 visitors over five days, the European Hot Air Balloon Cup has become a major popular event in Charente. Activities for the whole family, concerts, food stalls, and an exhibition village complete the aeronautical program. Admission is free for spectators at most sites.
European Hot Air Balloon Cup — edition 2026
24th European Hot Air Balloon Cup from July 29 to August 2, 2026 in Val des Vignes (Mainfonds) and in the south of Charentes. International competition bringing together around sixty hot air balloons from about fifteen countries, coupled with the Women's World Cup, with two daily flights (sunrise and sunset) and the Nouvelle Aquitaine Air Show air meeting closing on Sunday, August 2.
24th edition from July 29 to August 2, 2026
The 24th European Hot Air Balloon Cup is confirmed from July 29 to August 2, 2026. For five days, more than 80 hot air balloons from all over Europe will rise above the Écly Valley and the Charente vineyards, departing from the main site of Mainfonds (Val des Vignes) and other sites in southern Charente.
The 2026 edition combines the European Cup (men) and the Women's World Cup, an event bringing together the best female pilots in the world. This is an official competition sanctioned by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (CAT2 / CIA Sporting event).
Two flights per day
Two flights are scheduled each day: a morning flight at sunrise and an evening flight at sunset, offering a ballet of colorful balloons against the backdrop of Charente landscapes.
Nouvelle Aquitaine Air Show air meeting — Sunday, August 2
The competition closes on Sunday, August 2 with the Nouvelle Aquitaine Air Show, organized by the Foyer Rural de Mainfonds-Aubeville: aerobatic plane demonstrations, historical planes and skydiving, competition awards ceremony, musical entertainment and drone and pyrotechnic show.
Programme European Hot Air Balloon Cup 2026
From Wednesday, July 29 to Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Two competition flights per day: one flight at sunrise and one flight at sunset
- Around sixty hot air balloons from about fifteen countries (up to more than 80 balloons)
- European Cup (men) and Women's World Cup events — official FAI sanctioned competition (CAT2 / CIA)
- Launch sites in the south of Charentes: main site of Mainfonds (Val des Vignes), Génétouze circuit, Jonzac-Neulles aerodrome
Sunday, August 2, 2026 — Nouvelle Aquitaine Air Show (Mainfonds)
- Air demonstrations: aerobatic planes, historical planes, skydiving
- Competition awards ceremony
- Musical entertainment
- Drone and pyrotechnic show
The detailed day-by-day program (precise flight times per site) will be published by the organizer closer to the event.
Prices European Hot Air Balloon Cup 2026
Practical information — European Hot Air Balloon Cup
Practical Information
Access
Main site: Mainfonds, 16250 Val des Vignes (near Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire).
- By car: Access via the D731 from Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire (10 km). Free parking on site.
- By train: Barbezieux SNCF station (10 km from the site).
Schedule
- Take-offs in the morning (6 am-8 am) and evening (6 pm-8 pm), depending on weather conditions.
- Activities and air show during the day.
Prices
- Free admission to most launch sites.
Contact
- Phone: 05 45 64 18 98
- Website: mainfonds.com
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Where does it take place — European Hot Air Balloon Cup
Site de Mainfonds — Val des Vignes
Mainfonds, 16300 Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire