The festival is named after the first human passengers in a hot air balloon, Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes.
The Chambley airfield was formerly a major NATO base before being converted for civilian and recreational use.
The event frequently earns Guinness World Records for the most hot air balloons launched simultaneously in a single line.
The festival grounds span over 200 hectares, providing enough space to inflate hundreds of balloons at once.
It is a biennial event, occurring once every two years, usually during the summer months.
Pilots from over 50 different countries typically participate in the flights.
The site features a permanent museum dedicated to the history of ballooning managed by the Pilâtre de Rozier team.
Mondial Air Ballons is the world's largest hot air balloon festival, held biennially at the Aérodrome de Chambley Planet'Air in the Grand Est region of France. The event consistently gathers hundreds of balloons from around the globe, aiming to break world records for simultaneous launches. It is organized by the Pilâtre de Rozier Organization, named after the pioneer of hot air ballooning. The venue is a former military airbase repurposed specifically to accommodate the massive logistical needs of large-scale aviation gatherings. Attendees can witness mass ascents, night glows, and various aeronautical demonstrations across the expansive airfield. The event functions as both a public spectacle and a professional meeting point for the international ballooning community. The flat terrain of the airfield provides optimal conditions for wind and visibility required for massive balloon fleets. Visitors are exposed to significant aviation history, as the event celebrates the legacy of the Montgolfier brothers and early French balloon flight.
The perimeter of the main launch field provides an unobstructed view of the simultaneous inflation of hundreds of balloons.
Bring a portable chair and sun protection, as the airfield is expansive with very limited natural shade.
Check the official website for 'mass ascent' schedules, as flight operations are highly dependent on wind and weather conditions.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the transition between parking areas and the main balloon launch field involves significant walking.
Do not arrive mid-day during the summer, as there is little shade and few flying activities occur during the heat of the afternoon.
The event is biennial and only occurs every two years in July; the airfield is otherwise managed for general aviation use.
Strict adherence to non-smoking zones and restricted areas near the balloon launch zones is required for safety.
