Around the Loire in 80 Minutes |
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It may take a lot of patience and time to see all the châteaux in the Loire Valley, but it's certainly possible for those up to the challenge. Some determined chateau-crawlers spend hours traveling by bike or car, but more intrepid souls can save themselves the long haul and visit the chateaux via hot air balloon. From the air, all parts of the estates can be fully appreciated, from the gardens' exquisite patterns to the buildings' turrets and facades.
Total excursion time is 3½hr., and actual flight time approximates 1hr. Balloons take off in the early morning, a few minutes after sunrise, and in the evening before sunset. As they prepare for departure, patrons savor the anticipation (and a complimentary champagne toast) before embarking on their once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For the most fearless travelers, the romance of a hot air balloon may seem too tame. Luckily, some companies also offer helicopter tours of the valley or opportunities to skydive onto the lawns of Chambord or Cheverny.
For hot air balloons, contact France Montgolfières, 24 r. Nationale, 41400 Montrichard. (02 54 32 20 48; www.franceballoons.com. €250.) For helicopters, contact Jet Systems, Aérodrome d'Amboise, 37150 Dierre. (02 47 30 20 21; www.jet-systems.fr. €57-229.)
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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