Metz up up and away
Held once every 2 years on the famous Chambley airfield, The Metz Air Baloon Festival has quickly grown to be the biggest event of its kind in Europe. With over 900 baloons stretched out over 480 hectaires, this event offers a delightful spectacle to professional balloon riders and fans alike.
Created in 1989, the carnival lasts 10 days and is a highly mediated event, drawing news writers from as far as New Zeeland, China and the USA. It’s meant to be both a competition and a reunion for fans of the sport. Races such as the longest run in a hot air balloon (New Century Cup), competitions for new and old balloon drivers (Test of the Notes & Old Trophy Burners) and even the World Cup event test the wits and skills of the competitors, over 1.100 in 2007.
A number of 38 countries sent 1187 pilots in 961 baloons to the 2007 edition of the festival which took place from July 27 to August 5. Over 343.000 visitors gathered at what is nicknamed “the first air city in the world” to watch the flights and other air festivities that have made this festival an international success.
