For guests looking to experience Provence in a completely different way, a hot air balloon flight offers an totally unique perspective.
Quiet, unhurried, and completely immersive, it is one of the few activities that lets you take in the scale and beauty of the region in near silence - just the occasional blast of the burner and the rustle of the wind. Each flight begins just after sunrise. The early hour may sound ambitious, but it is well worth the effort. As the balloon is prepared, you’ll be welcomed by your pilot and crew - most of whom are from the region and passionate about sharing it with visitors. After a short briefing, you watch the envelope (that’s the balloon itself) slowly rise and take shape, glowing softly in the dawn light. And then, without much warning, you’re up. There’s no dramatic lift-off or jolt - just a gentle sense of weightlessness as the basket leaves the ground and the landscape begins to drop away.
Floating over vineyards and villages
Most of the recommended flights take place around The Luberon or The Alpilles, depending on the weather conditions. From above, you can see the patchwork of vineyards, cypress trees, ochre cliffs, and stone villages with an almost painterly level of detail. Flights typically last around one hour, depending on wind and route. What makes the experience unique is its unpredictability - no two journeys are ever the same. The pilot uses the breeze to steer, meaning that your landing spot may be kilometres from your starting point. This adds a quiet sense of adventure, especially as you pass over hilltop villages like Gordes, or drift along the curves of the Sorgue river. There is a meditative quality to being in the air this way. With no engine and no real noise beyond the occasional burner, you start to notice things differently - the way the light moves across the fields, the shadow of the balloon below you, or the tiny figures of people walking through morning markets far below.
What to expect on the day
Guests are picked up early - usually around 5:30 or 6:00am - depending on the time of year. The team monitors conditions closely, and flights only go ahead if the weather is stable and calm. After a short drive to the launch site, you’ll watch the balloon being prepared and receive a safety briefing. The basket is shared with a small group- typically around 8–12 people. Once the flight is underway, you’ll climb gradually to around 1,000 metres (though altitudes vary). After landing, there is usually a short wait while the support vehicle arrives to collect the basket and guests. A glass of local sparkling wine is offered, along with a light breakfast - often served in a nearby field or vineyard. Most guests are back at their villa by mid-morning, just in time for coffee on the terrace.
“I had never been in a hot air balloon before, and to be honest, I was a bit unsure about the early start. But within five minutes of take-off, I completely forgot about the time. The views were unbelievable - we floated over vineyards, watched the light hit the rooftops in Gordes, and could see all the way to Mont Ventoux. It was quiet, calm, and surprisingly peaceful. Our pilot was great, really knowledgeable, and even pointed out the lavender fields from the air. I don’t usually say things are ‘once in a lifetime,’ but this really was.” - James and Isabelle, guests from London
Booking with us today
We work with a trusted network of balloon pilots in The Luberon and Alpilles, all of whom are fully certified and highly experienced. Flights are available from April to October, with the best conditions typically between May and early September. Our concierge team can organise everything for you - from confirming availability to arranging transport from your villa to the take-off site. We recommend booking in advance, as spaces are limited and weather conditions can affect scheduling. This is also a great activity for a special occasion - we’ve helped guests organise proposals, anniversaries, and birthday surprises. For groups or families, a private basket can often be arranged depending on availability.
A hot air balloon flight is one of the most peaceful and rewarding ways to experience the landscape of Provence. Whether it is your first visit or a return to familiar places, seeing the region from the air offers a perspective you will carry with you long after you land. If you are staying with us and would like to add this experience to your stay, our concierge team is here to help with every detail.
À bientôt,
The Provence Holidays Team