The Ballon de Paris serves both as a tourist attraction and as an indicative tool for air quality. But is it worth it? Follow the guide to learn more about its access, prices, schedules…
Our Opinion
We like
- An original and unforgettable experience
- The magnificent 360° panorama of Paris
- Reaching an altitude of 150 meters on nice days
- A tourist attraction that respects the environment
We don’t like as much
- An extremely short attraction
- The variability of flights depending on the weather
A Little Bit of History
Origin
The Ballon de Paris was set up in 1999. Nearly a million people have already had the joy of discovering Paris from its basket.
Thanks to Archimedes’ principle, the balloon can fly and lift up to 30 passengers, making it the largest captive balloon in the world.
Flights can reach a height of 150 meters, which makes the Ballon de Paris the second highest point of view in Paris after the Eiffel Tower, still, it is visible up to 20km around!
It is also the least polluting aircraft in the world because it is steered by an electric hoist.
An Air Quality Indicator
The Balloon’s pictograms — Credits © JB Bucc under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
It became an air quality indicator in 2008.
In partnership with AIRPARIF®, the Ballon de Paris now has an innovative technology that allows the pictograms on the balloon to change colors every two hours depending on the quality of the ambient air in the city and the quality of the air near traffic.
This technology makes it easy for Parisians to find out, thanks to simple colors from green to red, about the quality of the city’s air, during day and night.
Since 2018, it incorporates new equipment that allows counting and identifying the particles present in the air, then establishing a 3D map and studying the quantity of ozone in real-time.
Scientific flights are authorized up to 300 meters for further analysis.
Visiting the Ballon de Paris
Access
Located in the Parc André-Citröen, the Ballon de Paris provides an overview of Paris and the Seine.
Address : Parc André-Citroën, 75015 Paris.
- By metro: Javel – André Citroën stop (line 10) or Balard (line 8)
- By tramway: Balard stop (line 3a)
- By RER: Javel stop (line C) ou Boulevard Victor stop (line C)
- By bus: Parc André-Citroën stop (line 30)
Opening hours (check the schedules according to seasons):
- Every day: from 9 am to 30 minutes before the park’s closure
If you want to avoid standing in line for too long, you’d better choose to come in the morning, it’s the best time!
During summertime, you’ll also be able to fly at night and discover Paris by night. However, there will probably be many more people !
Prices:
- Adults: 15€
- Parisian children under 12 years old: Free of charge (on presentation of a proof)
- Children between 3 and 11 years old: 8€
- Children under 3 years old: Free of charge
- Disabled people: Adult: 11.50€ / Child: 6€
We strongly recommend you to book your ticket taking into account the weather conditions which can be very variable.
The balloon can be closed on the day itself because of bad weather conditions.
We also strongly recommend you to call on the very same day to check the flying conditions.
When the Weather is Not on Your Side…
A “virtual flight” service has been set up on days when the weather does not allow flying.
Indeed, some virtual reality equipment in the basket allows you to discover the panorama when you can’t take off.
This service lasts for 6 minutes for a 3€ price. It is free for holders of a “Prévente” ticket (Pre-sale ticket) and can be exchanged for an “Open sans limitation de validité” ticket (Open ticket) with no limit of validity to come back on a more favorable weather day.
What About the Children?
Of course, this tourist attraction is accessible to babies, children and teenagers.
The basket is suitable for all ages.
Come and let them discover the magic of Paris!
They will have fun spotting the most famous monuments of the capital or their favorite place and discover a new point of view of Paris.
After coming back down on land, they will have the opportunity to run around the 14 hectares of the Parc André Citroën.
Games are also available for them such as ping-pong tables, spring games…
It’s a rather short attraction, they won’t have time to get bored!
Please note: access to the attraction with an electric wheelchair is not possible for accessibility and safety reasons, however access with a mechanical wheelchair is allowed. Access is also prohibited for pregnant women.
Within a 14 Hectares Park
The Ballon de Paris is located in the heart of the Parc André-Citroën, in the 15th arrondissement, on the Left Bank of the Seine.
Inaugurated in 1992, the former Parisian Citroën factory gives way to one of the most recent parks in the capital, the Parc André-Citroën.
Under the brushstrokes of famous architects and garden designers, it became the only Parisian green space that opens directly to the Seine.
The park is divided into three parts: the Jardin Blanc – Caroline Aigle (the White Garden), the Jardin Noir – Eugenie-Malika Djendi (the Black Garden) and a large central park.
The White and Black gardens were renamed in 2015 in honor of these two French soldiers.
You can discover many exotic trees, rare plants, two monumental greenhouses and even an artificial island!
Children can enjoy a large soccer field, table tennis tables, spring games and slides.
The park is open every day with free access, from 8 am or 9 am to 7 pm / 7.30 pm / 8.30 pm / 9.30 pm depending on the season. All activities are free, except for the Ballon de Paris.
A pavilion/lodge which overlooks a breathtaking view of the park is available to all, it is right up next to the balloon.
Indeed, it can accommodate up to 50 people in a total area of 70m2 (83,7 sq yd / 753 sq feet).
It is possible to rent it for any type of event. Depending on the schedule and weather conditions, you will also be able to fly in a balloon at a preferential rate.
For more information, please visit the Ballon de Paris website.
Our recommended restaurants next to the Ballon de Paris
Guinguette La Javelle
Address: Port de Javel Bas, 75015 Paris
Pay attention to the fact that it’s a cafe! Indeed, it does close around mid-September to reopen in early summer.
If you like to dance, this is the perfect place for you! This open-air cafe offers playful workshops for children during the day as well as evening balls.
Overlooking the banks of the Seine, there is something for all tastes and budgets.
There is a masseur, a creators’ market, a hairdresser, a shared vegetable garden, recycling workshops, tastings, dance classes…
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday — 6 pm – 12 am
- Saturday and Sunday — 1 pm – 12 am
To know more about this restaurant, click here (website in French).
La Grenouille Bleue
Address: 48 Rue Balard, 75015 Paris
Composed of two rooms, a solid wood bar, moldings on the ceiling, oak parquet floor, this restaurant is typical of Parisian bistros.
You’ll discover a true French cuisine, traditional, cheap and homemade desserts!
Count on a price between 16€ and 19€ for a lunch or dinner set menu.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday — 8 am – 10:30 pm
- Thursday and Friday — possibility to have dinner
- During the week — possibility to have lunch and aperitif-hour
To learn more about this restaurant, click here.
Bistrot Clara
Address: 136 Avenue Félix Faure, 75015 Paris
The atmosphere is very friendly in this small bar-restaurant. The dishes are excellent and they serve generous portions.
Its very good quality-price ratio brings a big bonus to this restaurant!
Count approximately 20€ per person for a dish and a dessert.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday — 11 am – 12 am
To learn more about this restaurant, click here (Facebook page in French).
L’Ardoise du XV
Address: 70 rue Sébastien Mercier, 75015 Paris
This gastronomic bistro opens for lunch and dinner hours, it offers a wide range of fresh products and entirely homemade dishes. The chef tries to offer a “gastro” cuisine at “bistro” prices.
Count on paying 25€ for the lunch ardoise (lunch slate) (available during the week) which includes a starter, a main course and a dessert which changes every day according to the market and the seasons. It is only 20€ for a starter and a main course or a main course and a dessert.
“L’Ardoise à 36€” includes a starter, a main course and a dessert, it’s available for lunch and dinner hours.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday — 12 pm – 2 pm then 7 pm – 10 pm
To learn more about his restaurant, click here (website in French).
Conclusion
The Ballon de Paris promises you an unforgettable experience by making you discover Paris from another angle. The originality of this activity will appeal to people of all ages.
Get some perspective up high and come breathe a good breath of fresh air!
We recommend this activity to people who are obviously not afraid of heights.
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