Hot Air Balloon

Since its launching in 1999, the hot air balloon in the Parc André Citroën in the 15th arrondissement of Paris has offered one of the best views of the city. The huge, 32-meter (105 ft) tall balloon (more or less the equivalent of a 12-story building), tethered to the ground, can take up to 30 adults on a sightseeing adventure some 150 meters (492 ft) high in the Paris sky. Starting in April, the balloon will also give an instant reading of the air quality over the capital. A colored band on the balloon’s side will change to give a visual reading of the air pollution level, from a clean green to a highly-polluted red. Information 01.44.26.20.00.

Originally published in the April 2008 issue of France Today.