Balloon in Paris's Parc André-Citroën: we tested a flight at an altitude of 150 metres

Who hasn't dreamed of being Carl Fredricksen in "Là-Haut"? Who hasn't longed to fly over Paris in a hot-air balloon, in soothing silence? It's a unique experience, thanks to the famous Paris balloon in the Parc André-Citroën. After a three-month absence, the aircraft has returned to the 15th arrondissement, offering the most curious 10-minute flights at an altitude of 150 meters. We've tested it, and we'll tell you all about it.

Flying has always fascinated people. More than 2 centuries ago, the first aerostatic flight in history took place. It took place in Versailles on September 19, 1783. At the time, the balloon had been designed by the Montgolfier brothers, with Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes on board.

Since then, flights and records have multiplied. In 1912, Roland Garros achieved the highest flight ever, reaching an altitude of 4960 metres. 15 years later, aviator Charles Lindbergh made the first long-haul flight from Paris to New York in 33 hours. Then there's the inauguration in 2010 of Solar Impulse, the first airplane powered by solar energy.

Flying has become a habit for many people. And yet, taking to the skies and leaving terra firma behind always generates a certain excitement, even fascination. Just look at the amazed eyes of some Parisians and tourists, raising their heads to observe the famous balloon in the Parc André-Citroën on April 17, 2025. Also known as the Paris Generali balloon, the aircraft made its return to the capital's 15th arrondissement after a three-month absence. Unveiling a new visual identity as well as a reinforced environmental and scientific commitment, the balloon in the Parc André-Citroën has become a veritable symbol since its launch in 1999. Measuring 35 metres in height and 22.5 metres in diameter, it can be seen from a distance of 20 kilometers!

While the balloon is a major attraction in Paris today, it is also a tool for studying air quality. Considered a veritable flying laboratory, the aircraft measures the quantity of fine particles in the air, as well as ozone and pollen, and also CO2 and CH4 levels in the atmosphere. Four sensors have been installed on the nacelle. Scientific flights at heights of 300 metres are also being carried out.

Ballon de Paris at the Parc André-Citroën: the balloon was inflated before flights resumed.
After a three-month absence, the famous Paris balloon returns to the Parc André-Citroën. New educational display, new challenges... the balloon aims to become an "environmental and health watchdog in the face of global warming". Prior to the resumption of flights, scheduled for mid-April, the new structure was inflated on Thursday April 10, 2025. [Read more]

On the day of our visit, no scientific flights. But tourist flights. The weather was fine, so many curious people wanted to try it out. On some weekends, the queue can be as long as 2h00", explains François-Xavier Onfray, Technical Director ofAerophile, the world leader in tethered balloons. On this particular afternoon, as the queue stretches out in front of the ticket office, around fifteen of us climb aboard the aircraft at the same time - the world's largest tethered balloon, and also the world's least polluting.

Each flight lasts about 10 minutes. Take-off and landing can be hectic, so it's best to hold on tight. It takes about 3 minutes to reach an altitude of 150 meters and take in the breathtaking view. Once in the air, it's a 360° panorama. As we circle the gondola, we see the Eiffel Tower, the Radio France offices, the Tour Montparnasse, the Parc des Princes, the towers of La Défense, the Dôme de Paris - Palais des Sports and the Tour Triangle under construction... There's also this barge housing an open-air swimming pool and a few swimmers. " They swim in summer and winter," explains François-Xavier Onfray.

On the gondola, while some visitors are enjoying the peace and quiet at 150 meters, others are taking selfies and snapping photos. In the center of the gondola is a hole through which passes the famous electric winch connecting it to the ground. The cable can withstand 44 tonnes of pull. So don't expect to see a burner on board, as in some hot-air balloons. The special feature of the Paris balloon is that it runs on helium. For the curious, 6,000 cubic meters of helium enable the aircraft to soar through the air.

But then, do I feel dizzy on board the balloon? Usually prone to vertigo, I didn't feel any dizziness once I was up in the air. However, a passenger next to me seemed delighted to come down after 10 minutes. It takes about 4 minutes to return to terra firma.

To try the experience, you can't make a reservation. You have to go directly to the site to buy your ticket. But be sure to check the Generali balloon website on the day. There are several reasons why the aircraft may not be able to fly. There's the weather, of course, with its wind and risk of thunderstorms. The Préfecture de Police may also prohibit the balloon from flying, during major events such as the French Open or July 14th. Last but not least, the proximity of the Georges Pompidou hospital and its heliport can also interrupt flights in the event of an emergency.

And don't think that sunny weather means guaranteed flying. On April 20, the Ballon de Paris website explained: " sunny, but a low-pressure system passing through, too much wind: no flights possible this Sunday ". So don't rely on the weather forecast on your phone, and check the official Ballon de Paris website before you go.