La Génétouze, Cognac, Jonzac and Mainfonds will host the international hot air balloon competitionOf 1er until August 4, 2024, a colorful event not to be missed!
The 23rd European Hot Air Balloon Cup and the 28th Ladies' World Cup, whose rules are set by the International Aerostation Commission, are the only competitions organized in France to have received approval from the International Aeronautical Federation. The takeoff of multicolored hot air balloons into the summer sky at sunset is always a magnificent and magical spectacle.
Created in 1993 by volunteers from the Foyer Rural de Mainfonds Aubeville, the European Hot Air Balloon Cup demonstrates the dynamism and capacity of a rural community in organizing a prestigious event of international scope.
Sixty balloons representing 11 nations will participate in this event, including 40 in competition and 20 international pilots.
The hot air balloon event in Mainfonds takes place on 2 stages:
– The COMPETITION
A "sporting" event with 40 hot air balloons, or 40 crews consisting of a pilot, a co-pilot, a retriever, and a crew member who helps set up the balloon. The flight can last up to 3 hours...
– The FIESTA part
Space with 20 hot air balloons, each composed of a pilot and a crew member, for hot air balloon flights for partners, sponsors and the public.
All 60 hot air balloons will take off simultaneously. The competition launch sites are announced at the last minute, while the Fiesta launch sites are identified in the "Entertainment and Fiesta" section.
On the competition side, before the flight, each pilot receives their GPS as well as one or more markers (long ribbon weighted by a sandbag) that they will use to aim at the event targets (large strips of fabric spread out in a cross on the ground at precise coordinates). The goal is to score the most points on each of these events. The one who scores the most points on each of the events, on all flights, wins the cup.
The success of the Mainfonds airshow lies in its entertainment, friendly, and festive atmosphere, as well as the active presence of French aeronautics. You can admire the Rafale Solo Display, a symbol of the power and agility of French fighter aviation. During the "Nouvelle Aquitaine Air Show," Captain Jean-Brice Millet (known as "Mimouss") will be at the controls to give you a glimpse of the technological potential of this innovative flying machine.
The Nouvelle Aquitaine Air Show is a major international aeronautical event dedicated to the economy and the revitalization of the South Charente region. This air show is produced by the Mainfonds association and is supported by France Spectacle aérien, the national organization representing and promoting aeronautical events and public air shows, which supports and encourages this brilliant organization for the promotion of the aviation of tomorrow.
Many "off-flight" activities are also offered to the public, such as tasting cagouilles (snails), a traditional Charente dish, a unique cabaret show, a borderless retrospective of all the transgenerational myths of the world.
Then, on Sunday at nightfall, the Sunset Show will delight your eyes with a demonstration by the Air Patrol and a light show featuring 400 drones. A fireworks display from the "Vallée de l'Ecly" will then close this spectacular event.
But, beyond the spectacle, the Mainfonds air event represents the true commitment of a region, highlighting deeply human values and technological performances, through a public gathering, combining conviviality, competitiveness and innovation.
“The sky is not the limit, it is the gateway to infinity!” said Jean-Noël Bouillaguet, President of France Spectacle Aérien
Don't miss the takeoffs!
Friday 2, Saturday 3, Sunday 4 August at Val des Vignes: 6:30 a.m.
Thursday, August 1st, La Genetouze: 18:30 p.m.
Friday, August 2, Cognac: 18:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 3, Jonzac: 18:30 p.m.
Patrick Koune
Photos provided by Mainfonds
