Les Montgolfiades

Les Montgolfiades: When Burgundy Takes to the Skies

Since 1989, the Montgolfiades of Chalon-sur-Saône and the Côte Chalonnaise have offered a magical spectacle in the Burgundian sky. This international hot air balloon gathering, one of the largest in France, transforms the Prairie Saint-Nicolas into a vast launch site each year, from which dozens of multicolored balloons rise, offering a breathtaking panorama of the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise and the Saône valley.

Spectacular Flights

The highlight of the Montgolfiades is, of course, the collective flights of hot air balloons. Five take-offs are scheduled over the three days, at dawn and dusk, when the aerological conditions are optimal. The sight of dozens of balloons rising simultaneously above the meadow, in the golden light of morning or evening, is a moment of striking beauty that attracts thousands of spectators each year.

Taster Flights and Sporting Events

The more adventurous can experience the unique thrill of a hot air balloon taster flight. The flight, lasting about an hour (50 to 70 minutes depending on weather conditions), offers an unobstructed view of the Burgundian landscapes. The Montgolfiades are also a sporting competition: precision and navigation events bring together pilots from France, Italy, and Belgium in a spirit of fair play and aeronautical camaraderie.

A Popular and Family Festival

On the ground, the Montgolfiades offer a rich program of family entertainment: inflation demonstrations, wooden games, mini hot air balloons, parachute shows, and concerts. The association Montgolfiades 71, supported by the town's services, volunteers, and the winegrowers of the Côte Chalonnaise, ensures that each edition is a popular and friendly celebration where aeronautical discovery is combined with tasting local wines.