On the occasion of the 42nd international hot air balloon gathering, around fifty pilots are expected to take off in the Altigerian sky from today until Sunday. Several takeoffs are planned, but the locations are still unknown: they will be fixed at the last minute, depending on weather conditions.
Having become a true tradition over the years, the international hot air balloon gathering returns to Haute-Loire, from today until Sunday, for its 42nd edition.
Four flights planned… depending on the weather
Organized by Montgolfière en Velay, this event is unmissable for fans who will be able to observe and admire the Altiligrian sky filled with balloons during a show that is always very impressive.
If conditions permit, four flights are planned. The first on Friday afternoon, the second on Saturday morning. Another takeoff should take place on Saturday afternoon and finally the last one should take place on Sunday morning. In all, nearly 50 drivers are expected to take part in the event. Among them, many French people, but also European pilots from Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Scotland and even Sweden.
The sun is expected throughout the weekend, according to the forecasts, but Jean-Marc Guérin, from Montgolfières en Velay, does not want to come forward. “We cannot predict the weather. It is analyzed by Météo France agents who send us the results and tell us whether we can take off or not. This is why the take-off location is only fixed one hour before the flight,” explains the organizer.
Several possible sites
Places that will have to be chosen from a panel of sites authorized by the prefecture. In these places, we find the castle of Arlempdes, the lake of Bouchet, Cussac-sur-Loire, Coubon, the fortress of Polignac, Saint-Paulien, the castle of Saint-Vidal, Saint-Vincent, Vals-Près- Le-Puy and Vorey. Places which, each in their own way, all offer a unique panorama of the region.
Guillaume Chorin
For more information. The final flight departure locations will be communicated on the website: www.mev43.fr. On the take-off grounds, access is prohibited to the public.
France
