Hot Air Balloon Festival Rocamadour

The romance and spectacle of 30 balloons floating to the skies, with the majestic city of Rocamadour as the backdrop is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Rocamadour is such a breathtaking city but during the last weekend of September every year it becomes even more magical as 30 hot air balloons form all over Europe are seen drifting through the sky in the annual Rocamadour Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Seeing these balloons take off in front of theworld heritage UNESCO site of Rocamadour is captivating event as these magnificent flying machines take off in front of the medieval grandeur of the ancient city in a festival of flight.

Named after the French engineers who achieved the world’s first ever successful hot air balloon flight in 1793, the Montgolfiades of Rocamadour is a two day week-end celebration, every last Saturday and Sunday in September. Over 30 balloons take off, gracefully floating in front of the village, the sanctuary and castle towers of Rocamadour. Bring your camera because it’s picture perfect and you will definitely get some great shots.

This festival has run for over 30 years and is one of Europe’s biggest ballooning festivals. This September there will be two launches, a sunrise spectacle at 8am, and a late afternoon at 5pm as the sun begins to mellow. For the curious among you get up early to watch the pilots laying out and inflating their balloons. Various entertainment will be happening throughout the city during the weekend too and there are lots of amazing restaurants to try the local gourmet fare,

Take to the skies above Rocamadour

Outside of this festival, you too can experience your very own hot air balloon flight by booking a trip from the Alzou canyon above Rocamadour and the Sanctuary. Marvel at the beauty of the Dordogne Valley below you as you drift through the sky. The company Rocamadour Aerostat can organise flights throughout the year.

Useful tips

The best places to watch the balloons take off are from l’Hospitalet (the village above Rocamadour) and from the fields at the bottom in the Alzou canyon. The event gets quite busy but temporary car parks open for the occasion so parking is easy, just follow the signs.
The event is free. If you wish to eat on site, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from but remember to book ahead.

Accommodation

Rocamadour is just 25km from Las Vignotes de Lea. If you would like more information on this festival or on our holiday home in South West France please contact us and we’d be delighted to help.