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Extending the dream isn’t just about getting into a hot-air balloon. It’s also about everything you experience beforehand. An overnight stay, a stroll or a magical discovery can transform a simple flight into a real getaway in French-speaking Switzerland.
Here are 5 ideas for magical getaways to experience before your Flight: caves, enchanted paths, gorges, legends and unusual places less than an hour’s drive from the Cossonay region.
1. Explore the Grotte aux Fées – Vallorbe caves
Once you’ve got the hang of it, dive underground. The Vallorbe caves offer a totally different atmosphere. Immense caverns, rock formations and the play of light on the water. The coolness of the place contrasts perfectly with the emotions of a hot-air balloon flight.
- 📍 About a 30-minute drive from the Cossonay area.
- ☀️ Don’t forget: even in summer, it’s cool in the caves, so don’t forget a jacket.
- 🔗 grottesdevallorbe.ch
2. Discover the Grande Citadelle de Monthoux – Bière
Hidden in the woods above Bière, François Monthoux’s Grande Citadelle is a unique work of art, built stone by stone by hand. It’s like something out of a fairytale. Towers, walls, staircases and small architectural details give the impression of stepping into a giant scale model.
- 📍 About 20 minutes by car from the Cossonay area.
- 🌙 Tip: if you can, go at the end of the day, the light makes the place even more magical.
- 🔗 francois-monthoux.ch
3. Along the glacial potholes of the Gorges de l’Orbe
Over the course of time, water has carved out the rock and shaped the famous glacial potholes of the Orbe Gorge. This mineral landscape, sculpted by the elements, offers a wild yet soothing ambience. Perfect for a refreshing stroll the day before or the morning of a flight.
- 📍 About 20 minutes by car from the Cossonay area.
- 🪧 How to get there: start from the village of Les Clées, following the signs to the gorge.
- 🔗 O rbe gorges
4. Follow the Sentier des Légendes – Gruyère
In the Gruyère region, the Sentier des Légendes is an easy walk punctuated by sculptures and stories inspired by local folklore. It’s an ideal outing for families or couples, to gently get into the mood before an aerial experience.
- 📍 About 50 minutes by car from the Cossonay area.
- 🌿 Allow around 1 hour’s walk on an accessible, well-marked path.
- 🔗 fribourg.ch – Gruyère legends
5. Walking on the Witch Trail – Fribourg
Fancy a little mystery before you take to the skies? The Sentier de la Sorcière (Witch’s Trail) combines nature, storytelling and a touch of thrills in a playful atmosphere. It’s a great way to keep your childlike spirit while enjoying a natural setting typical of the Fribourg region.
- 📍 About 50 minutes by car from the Cossonay area.
- 🔦 Extra idea: at the end of the day, a headlamp can add an even more immersive touch.
- 🔗 Witches’ Trail – Fribourg
🎈 Prolong the dream before you climb aboard
These escapades allow you to transform a simple hot-air balloon flight into a true interlude in French-speaking Switzerland. Caves, paths, gorges, atypical works of art: it’s up to you to create the atmosphere that precedes your adventure in the air.
Our teams can advise you on getaway ideas based on the location of your Flight. To find out more about our take-offs and choose the region that suits you best, consult our flight regions in French-speaking Switzerland.
If you’re planning this experience as a gift or a weekend getaway, you can also discover our guide to giving the gift of a hot-air balloon flight, as well as our different hot-air balloon flight packages.
FAQ:
Planning a getaway before a hot-air balloon Flight turns a simple activity into a real experience. By arriving the day before, or by combining a balloon ride with a flight, you can take in more of the region, relax and experience your flight in a calmer, more available frame of mind.
Yes, most of our tours, such as the Vallorbe caves, the Gruyère theme trails or the Grande Citadelle de Monthoux, are suitable for couples and families alike. Some hikes require a minimum level of physical fitness, but are accessible at a leisurely pace.
It’s not compulsory, but it’s often a good idea, especially when the flight takes place very early in the morning. Spending the night close to the meeting point means you can reduce the stress of the journey, arrive rested, and enjoy a local getaway or meal before or after the flight.
Of course you can! These getaway ideas go very well with a hot-air balloon flight. You could, for example, offer the Flight and suggest an overnight stay nearby, a walk in the gorges or a themed visit on the same weekend. This makes the gift even more personalized and memorable.
For practical aspects of the flight itself, including dress code, schedules, weather, procedures and safety, please consult our dedicated article “Getting ready for a hot-air balloon flight“. You’ll also find further information on our Practical info and Frequently asked questions pages.