Angel SalazarDigital Treasure Hunt – The Inventor’s Lost Plan
Annonay
Annonay Hot Air Balloon: A Journey Through the Air and History
The history of the hot air balloon begins in Annonay thanks to the Montgolfier brothers and their incredible inventionThese aeronautical pioneers made history in 1783 with the first flight of an aerostat. A feat that propelled Annonay to the rank of emblematic city of air travel.
Even today, the hot air balloon remains central to Annonay's identity. Each year, several festive events pay tribute to this spectacular invention, and it's even possible to take off over the Northern Ardèche for an unforgettable experience.
Why is Annonay the hot air balloon capital?
Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier are from Vidalon, very close to Annonay, where their family owned a paper factoryIt was there that they tested their first experiments, combining paper and fabric to create a lightweight envelope capable of rising.
On June 4, 1783, a balloon took off for the first time from the Place des Cordeliers in Annonay, before the astonished eyes of the Estates General of Vivarais. This moment is considered the first public flight of an aerostat, paving the way for the aeronautical era.
Owl Pebble
©Le Caillou aux Owls (7)
The Pebble with the Owls
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
The Pebble with the Owls
Renaud Vezin
A living symbol of the city
Today, hot air balloons are everywhere in Annonay. Sculptures, murals, and even fun trails evoke this marvelous invention. You're in the land of inventors: have fun finding all the nods to hot air balloons throughout the city!
Angel SalazarThree festivals to celebrate hot air ballooning in Annonay
Historical reenactment of the first flight
Every year, a faithful reproduction of the first flight is organized on the Place des Cordeliers.
Paper balloon, period costumes, heated straw... It takes more than 300 hours of work by volunteers to prepare the balloon.
The event, supported by the association The Annonay Hot Air Balloons, is a must-see for reliving this page of history in full size.
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the reenactment took place under a blazing sun. The balloon inflated well, but did not take off due to lack of wind. It was therefore kept in captive flight. The spectacle was still superb for all spectators to watch.
Next edition in 2026
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
The Ardeche Balloon Festival
A festive weekend around hot air balloons: flights, concerts, family atmosphere... The village of Quintenas comes alive for celebrate the air in all its forms.
Next edition in 2026
I Can't, I Have a Hot Air Balloon Festival
A unique event combining flights, entertainment and discoveries, in the green setting of Déomas Park.
Highlights:
- First flights (weather permitting)
- Breakfasts at sunrise in front of the flights
- Themed villages (hot air balloons, kites, funfair, etc.)
- Activities for children
Next edition in 2026
Vincent CachatExperience a hot air balloon ride in Ardèche
Flying in a hot air balloon is a unique experience. The silence, the slow ascent, the lush green landscapes gently passing beneath your feet... A first flight over the northern Ardèche is the assurance of a moment suspended in time.
Local airlines offer flights from Annonay year-round. The ideal conditions? A calm morning, clear skies, and a bit of adventure.
Want to try it? Find our selection of providers for a hot air balloon flight
hot air balloons etcie 
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
Tourist Office Ardèche Grand Air
An invention that still makes you dream
The hot air balloon is much more than a historical souvenir. In Annonay, it remains vibrant, accessible, and inspiring. Whether it's a flight, a festival, or a simple souvenir to slip into your suitcase, every visitor leaves with a little elevation in their eyes.
