World Famous Hot Air Balloon Spectacle

The global event of the Lorraine Mondial hot air balloon event has been gathering in a former NATO airfield in eastern France at the Chambley-Bussieres airstrip ever since its debut in 1989. Hundreds of hot air balloons of different colours, shades, and hues soar to new heights at this global balloon meeting. For many years, the balloon festival has offered the aligned takeoff of balloons which is already a global premiere. Philippe Buron Pilatre, a descendant of Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier who was an aeronautics pioneer in the 18th century, is the organiser of this world famous hotair balloon spectacle. Philippe who has been piloting balloons since 1979 is also the founder of the balloon festival and continues the family hobby and tradition.

Beating world records

The Lorraine Mondial balloons festival held on the 31st of July 2013 on the Chambley-Bussieres airfield was record-breaking. The balloons rose to the skies of eastern France in an attempt to set a record for the most number of them in the air. But that annual balloon festival saw the breaking of 2 world records, both at the same time. The 1st world record was when 408 balloons were soaring into the sky within an hour. The 2nd world record was when 391 of them formed a line on the run ways and took off into the air together. This feat indeed broke the record for the most number of hot air balloons launched all at once.






Paint the sky

In an attempt to beat the most number of take-offs world record, entrees of the 408 hot air piloted balloons, with 391 of them all in a row, lifted off together and filled and brightened up the sky. As can be imagined, the world famous hotair balloon event was mighty great. With bursts of different colours dotting the sky on a sunny day, it was like a pointillist painting in action. The media, as well as the snappers and videographers, were there to capture all the beauty. The blasting sound of hundreds of balloon burners was extraordinary. Time-lapse videos showed the process from inflation of the balloon envelopes to take off.

Participants and attendees

Hundreds of thousands of balloon-lovers attended the hot air balloon event in France. A total of nearly 200 crew and 1,207 balloon pilots took part in this global feast. Balloon maker Cameron was one of the entree at the hot air balloon event in France. The founder of the event complained that the airport officials placed on hold many commercial flights planned over the few days of the balloon event. He also lamented about the bad manner of some entrees, mainly when 20 balloon pilots purposely landed on crop land instead of on lanes and roads, making local farmers furious.

The week before

The 408 pilots were not only in a festive mood but were also in a edgy spirit as they were trying to beat a record that was set just a week ago at the Chambley-Bussieres airfield. The Saturday before, at the Lorraine Mondial global event, the taking off of 343 balloons set a record. It beat out the earlier 2009 record of 329. The entrees had a grit to push the envelopes even further. No pun intended. In the end, their hard work and drive paid as they did manage to break the previous week’s balloon record.

Preceding record holder

The 2013 ballooning event in France where 408 piloted balloons went aloft within an hour broke a 2-year old record held by Albuquerque global balloon Fiesta in New Mexico. The Albuquerque feast until then was the cream of the balloon show on earth in the ballooning industry. But the news of this coveted position aroused little competitive zeal from the officials of the fiesta. The earlier record was when 345 balloons ascended within an hour in 2011. The day was the launch of the 40th Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. The organisers at the Albuquerque Fiesta have no plans to reclaim the record and set a new one.

Event officially recognized

World famous hotair balloon

World famous hotair balloon

Guinness world records has certified the world record for the first ascent of 408 balloons taking off concurrently. It published the official announcement of this remarkable feat on its website and social network. The Guinness world records, through this recognition, formalises that now Lorraine Mondial balloons is the biggest balloons gathering. This event overtakes the Albuquerque International balloon fiesta. It is an honor that the organization of Pilatre de Rozier shares with the partner, the Regional Council of Lorraine. Around 175 communities and companies also support the event.

People gather every year at the former NATO airfield in eastern France

People gather every year at the former NATO airfield in eastern France Source: Daily Mail

Balloon and safari

People gather every year at the former NATO airfield in eastern France. At the Chambley-Bussieres Aerodrome they watch the hot air balloons in operation. At the Lorraine Mondial International Balloon Festival in France people watch it from bottom up. But when it comes to wildlife safari they survey it from above. Kenya wildlife balloon safaris offer people a taste of what it is like to circle closer to the clouds and more. It also provides passengers with a spectacular view of the wild animals below in their natural habitat. The sound of the burners is kept to a minimum so as not to disturb the animals below as well as to preserve the ecological pristine of the vast plains. There is no better way to spot the Big Five in Kenya than flying over the savannas of the country in a hot air balloon.

Balloons are put to use commercially in the tourism industry in Kenya

Balloons are put to use commercially in the tourism industry in Kenya

The spectacular wildebeest migration in Kenya is considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. It is when millions of wildebeests cross the rivers towards the border of Tanzania in search of water. Since the migration is a seasonal natural occurrence, unfortunately, it only happens twice a year. Tourists flock to this place to watch this environmental phenomenon, enjoying the marvelous sight from the vantage point of a hot air balloon. And that is how the hot air balloons of the French International Balloons are put to use commercially in the tourism industry in Kenya.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Balloon Ride

What is the Lorraine Mondial hot air balloon festival?
The Lorraine balloon festival takes place every year in July France at Chambley-Bussieres and is the largest such festival in Europe, attracting thousands of people globally. The festival features balloons in different colors and shapes. There are fireworks, concerts, and entertainment options to enjoy. Visitors can reserve a hot air balloon ride and advance booking is recommended. The admission fee vary based on the time and day. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge. There are various options for accommodation, including hotels and camping.

What is the most popular hot air balloon festival in France?
France has several popular balloon festivals during summer, the dates of which vary. Visitors can see various balloons of different sizes, colors, and shapes. There can be night events, balloon races, food stalls, and concerts. Balloon rides are available for a fee. However, advance booking is recommended. Ticket prices vary depending on the events, festivals, and purchase options. There are restrictions and regulations that apply to balloon flights for safety purposes. These include weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and pilot certification.

What is a hot air balloon festival?
A hot air balloon festival is where balloon enthusiasts come to showcase and participate in balloon races and competitions. It is an event that offers rides to people. the festivals take place in several locations globally, including open fields, city centers, and even in parks. Balloon festivals can occur at different times, based on the climate and location. Many festivals happen during the summer when the weather is more favorable. Visitors can see balloons of different sizes, colors, and shapes. There could be races, night events, concerts, carnival rides, and food stalls. Balloon rides are available for a fee, but advance reservation is highly recommended. Ticket prices vary based on the events and festival you attend. Balloon flights are considered safe if appropriate safety regulations and measures are followed. Choose an experienced and reputable balloon company for an enjoyable and safe flight. For safety purposes, certain restrictions and regulations such as airspace, weather conditions, and pilot certification apply to balloon flights.

What is the significance of the hot air balloon festival in Michigan?
The hot air balloon festival in Michigan takes place every year on the 4th of July and lasts for many days, featuring tethered rides and balloon launches. The air shows involve various aircraft, stunt planes, and military planes. There are live music, carnival rides, food, and craft vendors. This festival in Michigan include Howell balloonfest and Michigan challenge balloonfest.

What should I expect during a hot air balloon ride?
A hot air balloon ride allows you to take in views by flying through the sky. During this exciting and thrilling adventure, you will soar high up with a colorful, giant balloon overhead attached to a wicker basket, from where you will glide through the and enjoy the stunning scenery. There will be nothing between the world and you. The experience is peaceful and serene, as you view the landscape below including the lakes, mountains, forests, villages, towns, and cities. Balloon rides are offered at either dusk or dawn. Based on the duration of the balloon ride, it can be tailor made to suit your tastes.

To book a balloon safari, please fill out the following form or simply email us on safaris@safari-center.com

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