Ballooning is a passion. As an enthusiast, Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons is a must in your life as a pilot. I give you 10 good reasons to come to GEMAB, but you can complete the list đ
1. The largest international gathering of hot air balloons
Organized since 1989, Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons has never stopped growing to become a pilots paradise. An imperative festival to do in his life of pilot. Whether you like mass flights, friendly encounters, bucolic landscapes or competition, you are bound to find something to enjoy during the 10 days.
2. Number of flights
Two flights per day, morning and evening! If you like to fly, you are served! 19 flights scheduled during 10 days. Since 1989, the average number of flights is 14 out of 19, a nice figure that will delight air enthusiasts.
3. The Great Line
It is a unique flight in the world. Unique for its scenery and its beauty. On the morning of the Great Line, the participating pilots line up one behind the other, and take off together to offer us a breathtaking show. These images from our partner L’Europe Vue Du Ciel illustrate a breathtaking angle.
4. Flights in serenity
With its 250 hectares of take-off area, the Chambley airfield is an ideal playground for balloon pilots. You have the necessary space to take off in complete serenity, and if you wish, away from the first wave of balloons and in a quieter place to take off.
The other advantage of flying in Chambley is that there are many landing fields! As the harvest is usually over by this time, it is very easy to land outside.
5. The place of the pilots
What would GEMAB be without its pilots? The 10 magical days that we live are the result of a perfect collaboration between the pilots from all over the world, the public and the members of the organization. The smooth running of the flights and the show offered by the pilots are essential. This is why the organization attaches great importance to your welcome.
A warm welcome, a French breakfast, an aeronautical assistance, an embroidered pilot jacket and of course a propane station that allows you to fill your tanks in record time. We are at your disposal to make you spend unforgettable moments in your life of balloon pilot.
6. Sublime landscapes
Flying in Lorraine also means admiring preserved natural landscapes: forests, lakes and ponds, meadows as far as the eye can see and many small typical villages, some leaning along the Meuse hillsides, others scattered in the plain. By flying over the Regional Natural Park of Lorraine, you will find the beautiful balance between peaceful territories and large protected areas.
7. International meetings
GEMAB is a place of international meetings. The Chambley airfield gathers more than forty nationalities on the flight area! During the event, you can meet pilots from all over the world: Dutch, English, South African, German, American, Mexican, Moroccan, Brazilian, Polish, Russian, Israeli, Taiwanese, Latvian… The list is long!
It is a place where all cultures mix, where balloon enthusiasts meet to talk about their common passion.
8. Worldwide media coverage
In total, nearly 400 accredited media outlets cover the event. A worldwide coverage of the event that allows the pilots to promote their colors through photos, videos and articles distributed by the hundreds of journalists present. Without forgetting the power of social networks that publicize the event and all its hot air balloons.
9. An event that brings people together
For 10 days, 500,000 spectators from all over the world will walk along the main boulevard of Ballonville Public, from where they can admire the mass flights of hot air balloons morning and evening. 3,000 pilots and crew members from all over the world who come together. 400 volunteers and members of the organization who offer their know-how.
GEMAB is also what brings us together and allows us to spend pleasant moments with family and friends and to see our loved ones.
10. A territory rich in history, gastronomy and heritage
Discover the territory of Grand Est and its cities, including Metz, Nancy, Verdun, Reims and Strasbourg. Discover this region of history, gastronomy and heritage. But also its cuisine and its varied local products, champagne, beer, charcuterie but also mirabelle plum. There is something to satisfy every taste bud. And don’t forget that Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg are less than an hour away. Lorraine is full of treasures to discover.
11. Bonus: Because the people who live here are friendly
Lorraine is traditionally a welcoming land. A territory where it is good to live together thanks to an open mind, a dynamism, a desire to share and initiatives!
Between the people of Lorraine and the GEMAB pilots, it is an old love story. Indeed, since 1989, a large number of crews have been hosted by the inhabitants living around the airfield. A story which is not ready to stop considering the number of pilots which does not cease growing.