Offering a hot air balloon ride that reveals to you this “Valley of 1,000 castles” is the challenge to which our pilots rise each morning and evening. These experienced hot air balloon aviators are trained to anticipate the movements of air masses to safely treat you to these beautiful sights, always depending on the weather conditions of the moment. Flying in a hot air balloon remains a privilege: accepting that we are reliant on the wind, not always knowing where it will lead us, and being able to relinquish plans for a flight in the absence of quality and/or safety conditions are all part of the experience; but so are breathtaking sights from a perspective that earth-bound beings cannot enjoy. Each day, our pilots and team members do their very best to make this an unforgettable moment for you, answering your questions and ensuring that your flight is a thrill that you may share with those you love.
The pilots of Montgolfière et Châteaux
Laurent – Company manager
Laurent was exposed to airborne activities from an early age, since his father was an ultra-light aircraft instructor who never missed an opportunity to bring him along for the ride. When Laurent discovered paramotoring and paragliding, he became enamoured by that feeling of liberty that is rarely felt on the ground. He never looked back, and quickly became a member of the French team. For several successive years, he held the title of World Paramotor Champion. Naturally, Laurent is attracted to all things airborne, and when he discovered hot air ballooning, he was won over. This majestic flying machine floats on the wind, requiring the exceedingly fine piloting qualities that he already mastered; and so he became a balloonist. Today, as part of Montgolfière et Châteaux, Laurent brings his communicative good mood to the experience, offering you an unforgettable adventure.
Mathieu – M
A flight enthusiast, Mathieu continually seeks to understand the meteorological and aerological mechanisms which remain completely invisible to the eye. To rise to this lifelong challenge, he makes use of various vehicles, which each give him a different perspective on this invisible world. He pilots paragliders, paramotors, gyrocopters and all forms of microlight crafts, both for his own pleasure and as a professional. The hot air balloon certainly gives him the most reliable analysis of elusive air phenomena, since it is an aircraft that becomes one with the aerological phenomena it encounters. Mathieu is be delighted to explain the nuances of the winds and breezes you’ll encounter aloft as you float over the Castle Valley.
Lionel
Lionel, the creator and manager of the company grew up in Beynac and Cazenac. From a very young age, he took a liking to the nature and landscapes of the Périgord Noir which he made his playground. Canoeing, speleology, climbing, V.T.T, orienteering, paragliding, river diving: the practice of these activities has naturally led him to accompany other people in a sports or tourist setting. Holder of the state certificates for canoe-kayak instructor, river guide, tandem paraglider pilot and hot air balloon, he will know how to offer you a little more than just a simple balloon flight and give you tips to make your stay in Périgord Noir successful.
Mathieu – R
Passionate about flying, Mathieu is constantly in search of understanding the mechanisms of meteorology and aerology which are completely invisible. For this search for a life, he uses different machines that allow him to see the invisible in different ways. Paragliding, paramotor, autogyr and all types of microlight are his favorite disciplines for both pleasure and professional. The hot air balloon certainly brings him the most reliable version of this reading of the air, insofar as it is one with aerology. Mathieu will be happy to explain the nuances of winds and breezes during a flight over the Valley of the Castles.
Balloon hunters
Mark – Olivier – Dom – Perrine et Nico
Dominique, Olivier, Nico, and Mark form a wonderful team on the ground that puts all its assets and know-how into it so that you can experience a pleasant and memorable moment in our company. Their roles: prepare the balloons then once in the air they must find you, hence the term balloon hunter.
In the office
Susan – Estelle
Susan : After running micro-crèches for 6 years, she changed her life to organize all the logistical, administrative and commercial part of the company. Professional and warm, she will be able to meet all your requests.
Estelle : Curious and adaptable, she worked in many professions before joining the company where she was able to realize a childhood dream: flying in a hot air balloon.
For more information about our hot air balloons and to reserve a hot air balloon ride over the Dordogne Valley and its castles:
> Consult our Flights and Fares
> Consult our Practical information
> Call us: +33 (0)6 71 14 34 96.
> Send us an Email
