Updated 22-4-2026
Hot air ballooning in the Dordogne sounds magical, and in the right conditions it really can be. But it is also expensive, weather-dependent, and not every flight feels the same.
In this guide, I’ve listed 5 hot air balloon options in and around the Dordogne, plus what to expect before booking.
Is a hot air balloon flight in Dordogne worth it?
A hot air balloon flight in Dordogne can be really special, but it is not something I would book without thinking it through first.
It is expensive, weather-dependent, and usually means a very early start. But if the conditions are right, the views can be beautiful. You see the river, the valleys, small villages, and in some places even the castles from above.
What makes it different here is the landscape. The Dordogne is not dramatic in an Alpine kind of way, but it has something softer and more timeless. From above, that works really well.
If you like quiet experiences, open views, and don’t mind getting up early, it can be worth it.
What makes Dordogne a good place for hot air ballooning?
The Dordogne is a good region for hot air ballooning because the landscape is varied without feeling overwhelming.
You have rivers, cliffs, wooded hills, farmland, and medieval villages all quite close together. In the right area, you can also see places like Beynac, Castelnaud, and the Dordogne Valley from above.
That said, not every flight will feel equally impressive. The launch location matters, the weather matters, and so does the time of year. So I would look at the route and setting first, not just the price.
Rocamadour Hot Air Balloon Festival
If you happen to be in the region in September, the hot air balloon festival in Rocamadour is worth knowing about.
Strictly speaking, Rocamadour is not in the Dordogne, but it’s close enough if you’re staying nearby and want to make a trip out of it.
What makes it special is the setting. Rocamadour already feels dramatic because of the cliffs and the way the village is built into the rock. Add dozens of balloons to that, and it becomes one of those sights you don’t forget easily.
Even if you don’t book a flight yourself, it’s still worth seeing from the ground. For more on why Rocamadour is a must-see destination, check out my previous blog post. Learn more about what makes Rocamadour a must-see destination here.
When is the best time to book a hot air balloon flight?
Most hot air balloon flights take place early in the morning, and sometimes at the end of the day.
That is not just for the atmosphere, but mainly because the weather conditions are usually calmer then. Flights depend completely on the wind and general conditions, so cancellations do happen.
If the weather is not right, the flight usually won’t go ahead. Most companies will offer another date, but it’s still something to keep in mind if your trip is short. If you really want to do it, I would try to book it early in your stay rather than at the end.
Providers for Hot Air Balloon Flights in Dordogne
If you’re thinking about booking a hot air balloon flight in Dordogne, this is one of the companies worth looking at.
Montgolfière et Châteaux
Location: Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne
Phone: +33 6 71 14 34 96
Website: Montgolfière et Châteaux
Prices
- Discovery Flight: from €190 per person
- Prestige Flight: from €215 per person
- Photo Flight: from €949
What to know
Montgolfière et Châteaux flies from one of the best-known parts of the Dordogne, near Beynac. That means the setting is strong from the start, especially if you want views over the river and the castles.
They offer both group and private flights, so it depends a bit on what kind of experience you’re after. If you prefer something smaller and a bit more personal, this looks like one of the better options.
They also offer different types of flights, including family and private experiences. As always, I would still check the exact launch location, the group size, and the cancellation policy before booking.ght options. They are fully licensed by the French Civil Aviation Authority. This adds extra assurance of safety and professionalism during your experience.
Rocamadour Montgolfières
Strictly speaking, Rocamadour is outside the Dordogne, but close enough if you’re staying in the area and don’t mind the drive.
Location: Rocamadour
Phone: +33 6 71 14 34 96
Website: Rocamadour Montgolfières
Prices
- Discovery Flight: from €170 per person
- Prestige Flight: from €200 per person
- Sunset Flight: from €240 per person
What to know
This one is for people who want the Rocamadour setting. And that does make a difference.
Rocamadour is built into the cliffs, so the landscape already feels dramatic before the balloon even takes off. From above, that becomes even stronger.
They offer different flight options, including a sunset flight, which may be worth looking at if you prefer later light over an early start. They also seem to focus on smaller flights, which usually makes the experience feel a bit calmer and more personal.
They mention special occasion flights as well, but I would mostly look at this company if you’re interested in the setting itself. Rocamadour is the main draw here. As always, I’d still check the launch point, cancellation policy, and how many people are usually in the basket before booking.
Vol en Ballon Périgord
Location: Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne
Phone: +33 6 20 25 91 58
Website: Vol en Ballon Périgord
Prices
- Classic flight: from €215 per person
- Private flight: contact them for pricing
What to know
Vol en Ballon Périgord is based near Beynac, so this is one to look at if you want the classic Dordogne setting — river, villages, and the well-known valley views.
They seem to focus on smaller flights, which usually makes the experience feel calmer and less rushed. Flights often take place at sunrise or sunset, so this may suit you if the timing matters just as much as the route.
They also offer gift vouchers, which is useful if you’re booking this for someone else rather than for yourself.
Good to know
Before booking, I’d still check the exact launch point, group size, and cancellation policy. That often makes more difference than the company description itself.nd cancellation policy. That often makes more difference than the company description itself.
Périgord Dordogne Montgolfières
- Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
- Phone: +33 6 83 26 47 66
- Website: Périgord Dordogne Montgolfières
Prices
- Standard flight over Périgord Noir: from €195 per person
- Private flight: from €695 per group (up to 4 people)
- Sunrise or sunset flight: from €210 per person
- Special packages for weddings, anniversaries, and proposals: contact them for pricing
What to know
This is one to look at if you want a flight closer to Sarlat and the Périgord Noir. The setting is strong here, with river views, rolling hills, and some of the best-known parts of the Dordogne landscape.
They offer standard, private, and sunrise or sunset flights, so there is a bit more choice than with some of the other companies. That can be useful if timing matters to you, or if you are booking for a couple or small group.
They seem to focus on smaller groups, which usually makes the experience feel calmer and less crowded.
Good to know
If you’re staying near Sarlat, this is probably one of the more convenient options. I’d still check the exact launch area, basket size, and cancellation policy before booking.
Périgord Dordogne Montgolfières
- Location: Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
- Phone: +33 6 83 26 47 66
- Website: Montgolfières du Périgord ( First Montgolfieres of the Dordogne)
Prices
- Standard flight over Périgord Noir: from €195 per person
- Private flight: from €695 per group (up to 4 people)
- Sunrise or sunset flight: from €210 per person
- Special packages for weddings, anniversaries, and proposals: contact them for pricing
What to know
This is one to look at if you want a flight closer to Sarlat and the Périgord Noir. The setting is strong here, with river views, rolling hills, and some of the best-known parts of the Dordogne landscape.
They offer standard, private, and sunrise or sunset flights, so there is a bit more choice than with some of the other companies. That can be useful if timing matters to you, or if you are booking for a couple or small group.
They seem to focus on smaller groups, which usually makes the experience feel calmer and less crowded.
Good to know
If you’re staying near Sarlat, this is probably one of the more convenient options. I’d still check the exact launch area, basket size, and cancellation policy before booking.
Booking tips
If you’re thinking about booking a hot air balloon flight, I would keep a few things in mind first.
Book early if this is something you really want to do.
Flights are limited, especially in the busier months and around school holidays.
Don’t choose on price alone.
The launch location, group size, and timing often matter more than saving a small amount.
Expect some flexibility.
Flights depend completely on the weather, so cancellations do happen. If your stay is short, try to book earlier in your trip rather than at the end.
Think about what kind of experience you want.
A sunrise flight is very different from a private flight, and not everyone is looking for the same thing.
In the end, the best option depends less on the company description and more on the setting, the timing, and how you want the experience to feel.
What to expect from a hot air balloon flight
The flight itself usually lasts around an hour, but the full experience takes longer. In most cases, you should allow at least 2 to 3 hours in total.
That includes arrival, preparation, the flight itself, and packing everything up afterwards. Some companies also let you watch or help a little while the balloon is being prepared, which can be part of the experience.
How high you fly depends on the weather and the route. Sometimes you stay fairly low, sometimes much higher. That’s part of what makes it feel different from one flight to another.
And as with everything related to hot air ballooning, the weather decides in the end. If conditions are not right, the flight usually won’t go ahead.
FAQs
What is the best time of year for a hot air balloon flight in Dordogne?
Most flights take place between spring and autumn, when the weather is more reliable. That said, conditions still matter more than the season itself.
How long does the experience take?
The flight itself is usually around one hour, but you should expect the full experience to take 2 to 3 hours.
Can children join a hot air balloon flight?
Usually yes, but it depends on the company. Many providers have a minimum age or height requirement, mainly so children can safely see over the basket.
What happens if the flight is cancelled because of the weather?
That happens quite regularly, so it’s worth keeping in mind. Most companies will either offer another date or a refund, but always check the cancellation policy before booking.
Conclusion
A hot air balloon flight in or near the Dordogne can be a beautiful experience, but only if it fits the kind of trip you want.
It’s not cheap, it depends completely on the weather, and it usually means an early start. But if the conditions are right, it can be one of those experiences you remember for a long time.
For me, the appeal is not just being in the air, but seeing the landscape differently for a while. The river, the cliffs, the villages, the quiet. That’s what makes it worth considering.
If you’re interested, I’d compare the launch locations first, not just the prices. That often makes the biggest difference.
If you’re staying nearby, you might also want to read my Sarlat travel guide
