Rise above the Fontainebleau Forest at sunrise or dusk and see rivers, villages, and the Château de Fontainebleau laid out beneath you. This half-day balloon experience combines a roughly one-hour flight with a classic post-landing toast and return transfer.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You climb into the basket while the balloon gulps warm air and the trees below lean in like an audience. The sunrise—or the last light of day, if you choose an evening flight—turns the oaks and pines of the Fontainebleau Forest into a patchwork of shadow and bronze. From a hundred meters up the forest spreads, an ancient landscape shaped by ice, water, and centuries of hunting paths once paced by kings.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; participants should be able to stand for about an hour and step into a basket.
Wildlife
History
The forest was long reserved as royal hunting grounds, and the Château de Fontainebleau served as a residence for monarchs from the Renaissance through Napoleon's era.
Conservation
Operators coordinate landings to minimize disturbance and encourage visitors to follow leave-no-trace practices; the forest is managed to balance recreation with habitat protection.
Reserve your spot on the Fontainebleau Forest Half Day Hot-Air Balloon Ride with Chateau de Fontainebleau today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Confirm 24–48 hours ahead
Operator requires reconfirmation; expect a call from the pilot to finalize weather and meeting details.
Wear sturdy shoes
Launch and landing areas are grassy and uneven—shoes with traction make boarding and disembarking safer.
Bring a windproof layer
Temperatures aloft can be 5–10°C cooler than on the ground, especially in morning flights.
Limit heavy gear
Space in the basket is limited; bring a small camera bag rather than bulky packs.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Needed for stable footing during inflation, boarding, and landing
Windproof jacket
Protects against cooler temperatures and gusts aloft
fall
Layered clothing
Mornings can be chilly; layers let you adjust as the sun warms the air
spring
Camera with strap
Wide-angle shots and panoramas work best—use a strap to secure equipment in the basket