Montgolfiades de Saint Emilion (Hot Air Balloon Festival)

20 September – 22 September 2023

The concept of soaring over Saint-Émilion in a hot air balloon was born from a meeting of minds between Guy-Petrus Lignac, proprietor of Château Guadet, a Grand Cru Classé in Saint-Émilion, Joëlle Manuel, Deputy Mayor, and Patricia Lamy, an accomplished pilot and organizer of aerial events.

Since its inception in 2011, the Montgolfiades, held during the third weekend of October, have become a highly anticipated annual affair. Each year, 15 magnificent hot air balloons gather in Saint-Émilion shortly after the grape harvest, captivating spectators with their colourful flights.

In addition, a variety of activities are available for both children and adults, including workshops and demonstrations featuring kites and informative conferences. Witness the captivating spectacle of balloon inflation followed by a fleet of 15 balloons gracefully floating above the medieval city.

The weekend’s itinerary includes a plethora of activities, such as model and kite making workshops, a captivating photo exhibition, playful pirate-themed balloons, and a selection of food trucks to satisfy any culinary cravings. Keep an eye out, as more surprises may be added to the program before October arrives.

For further information, please see the official website The Montgolfiades