View Paris from 500 feet – in a balloon

Getting a good view of Paris usually involves a trip up the Eiffel Tower, but what if you want to avoid the same view millions of people get every year?

The “Ballon air de Paris” is a massive helium filled balloon, with a basket capable of lifting 30 people at a time.

Unfortunately, it isn’t the kind of balloon that will take you on a tour around the city, it is anchored to the ground by an array of winches and cables. Still, at 150 meters you’ll be up high enough to get a really nice view – and be able to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower from a different angle.

The Ballon air de Paris is located in the Parc André Citroën (of the famous Citroën cars), about a mile downriver from the Eiffel Tower. The walk is of course lovely, but you can also reach the Parc with RER line C to the Javel station.

Admission is 12€ for adults (10€ during the week). Tickets for children are between 6€ and 10€ depending on their age.