Lorraine mondial air balloons

11th Lorraine mondial air balloons happened this year from 24th July to 2nd August. The  greatest international hot air balloon gathering was attended by 329 pilots.











Lorraine Mondial Air Ballons began in 1989. At that time it was an uncommon event creation, a show, a competition and a tool to promote tourism. The aim was to gather a thousand of hot-air balloons from 67 nations, during ten festive days. It was also the idea to invite visitors, media and partners. The most international ballooning event in the world is held on Chambley Planet'Air Air Base (Meurthe&Moselle - Lorraine) every other year by the end of July.

On 500 acres, in the heart of Lorraine Nature Park, the event site is organised around the launch field. From the main gate, a grand boulevard deserves 3 villages called "BallonVille". Public, crews and partners have their own area. Twenty months are necessary to set up this event by a small team of 7 people. A battalion of three hundred volunteers join the event a few days before and have many different functions, to help that huge machine run smoothly.

Besides hot-air balloons takeoffs, a panel of ground animations and air sports is offered to the visitors. "A Space Journey 3A" for Aeronautics ; Astronomy ; Aerospace, presents all these disciplines under three different points of view: dynamic (first flight and initiations), static (exhibitions and workshops) and virtual (multi-media and simulators).

Photos Flickr
http://www.pilatre-de-rozier.com/