What’s up? A balloon ride over the extinct volcanoes of la Garrotxa

with Tony and Robyn Goodman

Seeking different views, new perspectives of the magnificently fabulous region we inhabit it was decided a Jules Verne’s Phileas Fogg adventure was needed. A silent drift above the green clad extinct volcanoes of Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa was selected!

Travelling down the night before to avoid an early reveille we enjoyed a light dinner at one of the many restaurants Olot has to offer before staying at a modest hostel perfect for a group of hardy explorers. Arriving at the base at 06:15 we were greeted warmly and enjoyed coffee and freshly baked pastries in the modern quite luxurious departure lounge while observing the flight crew and ground staff outside prepare our craft.

Boarding was effortless. Gone are the days of clambering over the side of the basket while trying to look elegant and failing miserably. Modern panniers have doors allowing passengers to enter with ease and dignity. If flying for the first time what is most noticeable is the complete silence apart from the occasional burst from the burner. Travelling with the wind there is no wind, no real sense of movement and certainly no sudden movements. The only clue is the landscape below slowly drifting by.

The flight was first class only of course with in-flight catering featuring freshly baked almond cake and a class of chilled Cava at 5000 feet while admiring a rose pink sun rising over the Bay of Roses. The pilot from time to time would point out various landmarks and answered technical questions from the curious.

Despite being at 5000 feet flights are not cold, no need to wear extra layers. What you are wearing for the surface will be fine. Despite the early start the sun can be warm so consider applying some sun-block especially in summer and a hat or cap is also recommended. While one of the group was concerned about the height perhaps because of the gently manner balloons depart, they reported no regrets about joining us.

Our flight lasted 90 minutes, it seemed much shorter. The pilot guided the balloon to a pinpoint landing at a pre-prepared site just outside Besalú where the ground crew were waiting. Transiting back to the base the day was not yet over, greeting us was a traditional Catalan breakfast of sausages and beans, pastries, cava and coffee served in the modern restaurant. At the end of the meal we were individually presented with a quite elaborate certificate attesting to the flight.

We are already planning our next flight, when the landscape has a dusting of snow.

Where

Olot is a recognised global centre for hot air balloons, naturally blessed with perfect ballooning weather and spectacular landscapes flights are available year round. Olot itself is well worth a visit.
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Stay

The immediate area has a wide range of accommodation. The flight company also offers in conjunction with some of the areas better hotels accommodation and flight packages.

When

Flights are available year round depending on the weather. Flights depart at 07:00 in winter, earlier in summer.

Who

We flew with Vol de Coloms – Volar en globus a la Garrotxa which has been operating for many years. It operates from a modern base located below Volca del Croscat. To satisfy ourselves we actually visited the centre before our flight and were impressed. FIND OUT MORE

How

The Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa is near Olot around 1hour and 30 minutes from Perpignan via the AP7. A car is the only realistic transport option.
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Returning home we took the very scenic GI-503 and crossed back into France at the Col de Coustouges just above Saint Laurent de Cerdans.