Learn to fly a hot air balloon

Make a childhood dream come true...

Flight training

school icon L'école

Learning is above all a story of passion...
We are committed to passing on the latter in compliance with European regulations.

Make a child's dream come true, learn to fly in our school Périgord Dordogne Montgolfières. Our training courses are given by instructors approved by the French Aerostation Federation and the General Directorate of Civil Aviation in accordance with the federal and European programme.

Our flying area - the valleys and plateaus of the Périgord Noir - offers a unique setting for learning to balloon.

The varied aerology allows a complete practical experience. This way, with your license in hand, you will be able to fly in various territories.

We also offer the following additional training courses:

Group B or C extension
Commercial extension
Renewal of skills, refresher course

line hotairballoon icon Become a pilot

Requirements for obtaining a hot air balloon certificate and licence :

The trainee will have to undergo a medical examination by a doctor approved by the civil aviation authority.
The practical training consists of 16 hours of flight time as a hot air balloon pilot, including a minimum of 10 inflations and 20 take-offs and landings. A solo flight of 30 min.
Theoretical training allows the trainee to acquire the knowledge necessary to pass the theoretical exam.

Upon decision of the instructor responsible for the training, the trainee will be presented to an examiner for a flight test. The flight test consists of a radiotelephony test and ground and flight tests defined by decree.

The European licence of free balloon pilot is an official title giving the holder the right to exercise the function of free balloon pilot of the type mentioned on the licence (gas or hot air).

pascal m

01/10/2023

A moment of happiness A big thank you for the warm welcome from Marine, Marie and Sophie, and above all a very, very big Bravo for the skills and kindness of Léo and our captain, Marina, who mastered her craft perfectly, sharing her passion with us by showing us the magnificent landscapes above or below the clouds in perfect weather conditions. A real pleasure, and to finish it all off, breakfast was served on the spot after tidying up. Pascal and Gilles

Monique G

21/09/2023

Wonderful First hot-air balloon flight. Very good memory with friendly and very professional people. Nice experience in a great place. Great time sharing. Thank you

Bernard G

An extraordinary birthday present A superb morning under the wings of the kingfisher. A walk in the skies, on the wind, over the beautiful Dordogne and the castles that watch over it: Castelneaud, Fayrac, Marqueyssac, les Milandes and Beynac. A great atmosphere, a top-notch pilot and, on arrival, coffee and croissants! In short, an unforgettable seventies birthday.

Nathalie B

A magical experience! A magnificent experience! Thanks to our pilot Marina, who made us live a moment of pure happiness!

philippe b

14/09/2023

first silent flight over the Dordogne. A fantastic duo: Marina at the controls of her balloon and Nicolas at the wheel of his 4x4. Two partners at the top of their game to help us appreciate the beauty of the countryside and the technical aspects of hot-air ballooning. Highly recommend this team. We'll be back for another 2-hour flight, don't change a thing.

Sylvie J

28/08/2023

a magnificent journey A magical journey in silence with a magnificent view of the Dordogne at sunrise. Thibaut is a very reassuring pilot. A great experience.

Arlene C

26/08/2023

Amazing balloon flight Brilliantly organised, beautiful views, very relaxing flight. Would definitely recommend this organisation.

FRIFRI24

23/08/2023

Magical flight over the Dordogne valley A magical flight over the Dordogne valley and hillsides, with mists in the valleys, and a dazzling sunrise. How beautiful our region is ..... Magnificent experience with Thibaud, a very professional pilot who knows how to pass on his love of the landscape, not forgetting his partner Marcus. A great time, to be highly recommended.

Sebastien m

21/08/2023

The Dordogne from above! Sublime ... A fantastic experience....the flight was uncertain because of the hot weather, but we left early in the evening anyway....and headed for the Lot at 2200m for Andrew our pilot's highest and longest flight of the season!!! It was just magnificent. Thanks to the team, super nice, super on time, super educational and full of humor (I'm thinking of Nicolas who seems inexhaustible) In short, a trip for our 50th anniversary that we'll remember! A soft landing and a drink from the aerostier once the equipment had been packed away and we were straight out in the field! Top of the line, too short for my taste...despite the 1-hour flight!

David L

20/08/2023

Great flight We had a wonderful time as a family on our first hot-air balloon flight! Top-notch team, with Nicolas and Alexis making a great duo! Thanks for their welcome, their kindness and above all their humor! A great experience ;)

Trefor Roberts

21/02/2024

We went back in 2010. It was a magical trip. So calm, quiet and relaxing. Glad to see the company are still providing the service. We almost missed the flight as we were stuck in the hotel in Les Eysie. Door locked and nobody around to open it :( The pilot was unserstandably unhappy when we arrived late, but understood our earlier predicament :)

Hassani Hugo

17/10/2023

Great experience, I recommend

Jean-Louis Buoro

09/10/2023

A team so empathetic and caring! A professional pilot eager to share her knowledge of the landscapes and the special features of this trip at altitude above the Dordogne - all the ingredients were there for a wonderful surprise evening! Many thanks, to be highly recommended.

Patrice Lasne

Superb experience....

fred saupin

08/10/2023

The cost of a hot-air balloon flight isn't for everyone... but if there's one thing that's different from traditional visits to the magnificent sites of the Périgord Noir, hot-air ballooning is the opportunity to share a timeless moment with a breathtaking view over this magnificent valley. We have no hesitation in recommending Périgord Dordogne montgolfières for their professionalism and the attention they pay to their crews. Take to the skies without hesitation 🎈

Andrei Kapishnikov

07/10/2023

It was a very beautiful and memorable experience.

Christophe Bouilhac

A wonderful moment

Catherine Alger

Catherine and Jean Marie would like to thank you for their flight on September 15, 2023. It was a magical experience, accompanied by a wonderful, highly professional team and a very professional Andrew pilot.