Espace Ballon
Description
Thanks to its microclimate, the village of Château-d'Œx has become the national hot air balloon capital. Learn all about the history of hot air ballooning at the Espace Ballon.
Hot air ballooning fascinates young and old alike for centuries. From the Montgolfier brothers to Bertrand Piccard's world tour, the Espace Ballon traces the key elements of this history rich in scientific discoveries and adventures. Exciting and fascinating multimedia material allows those interested to learn all about the history, technology and adventure of this way of taking to the skies. During the visit, you will also discover how these hot-air balloons are made. Did you know that Château-d'Œx was the starting point of Brian Jones and Bertrand Piccard's round-the-world balloon trip? It was in 1999, on their third attempt, that the two pilots began their adventure and finally succeeded in circling the globe. Their journey is told stage by stage in the museum thanks to short films. At the end of your visit, don't miss the Breitling Orbiter capsule, which was used in the first attempt to go around the globe. You can also see the interior of the basket where Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones lived for 22 days.
Practical Information
VISIT - the Espace Ballon is suitable for families - minimum duration of the tour: 1 hour - guided tours are possible only with a reservation in advance - opening for groups on request - the Espace Ballon is closed every November - gift store - temporary exhibitions organized throughout the year GETTING THERE The ground floor and first floor are accessible for people with reduced mobility PARKING Parking at the Espace Ballon is limited. Sufficient parking spaces are available on the Dorfstrasse, 200 m from the Espace Ballon. PUBLIC TRANSPORT By train via the MOB line (stop "Gare de Château-d'Œx"). Five minutes’ walk to the Espace Ballon. Thanks to the Pass d'Enhaut, benefit from a reduction of CHF 5.00 on the entrance fee to L'Espace Ballon.
Links
Thanks to its microclimate, the village of Château-d'Œx has become the national hot air balloon capital. Learn all about the history of hot air ballooning at the Espace Ballon.
Hot air ballooning fascinates young and old alike for centuries. From the Montgolfier brothers to Bertrand Piccard's world tour, the Espace Ballon traces the key elements of this history rich in scientific discoveries and adventures. Exciting and fascinating multimedia material allows those interested to learn all about the history, technology and adventure of this way of taking to the skies. During the visit, you will also discover how these hot-air balloons are made. Did you know that Château-d'Œx was the starting point of Brian Jones and Bertrand Piccard's round-the-world balloon trip? It was in 1999, on their third attempt, that the two pilots began their adventure and finally succeeded in circling the globe. Their journey is told stage by stage in the museum thanks to short films. At the end of your visit, don't miss the Breitling Orbiter capsule, which was used in the first attempt to go around the globe. You can also see the interior of the basket where Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones lived for 22 days.
Practical Information
VISIT - the Espace Ballon is suitable for families - minimum duration of the tour: 1 hour - guided tours are possible only with a reservation in advance - opening for groups on request - the Espace Ballon is closed every November - gift store - temporary exhibitions organized throughout the year GETTING THERE The ground floor and first floor are accessible for people with reduced mobility PARKING Parking at the Espace Ballon is limited. Sufficient parking spaces are available on the Dorfstrasse, 200 m from the Espace Ballon. PUBLIC TRANSPORT By train via the MOB line (stop "Gare de Château-d'Œx"). Five minutes’ walk to the Espace Ballon. Thanks to the Pass d'Enhaut, benefit from a reduction of CHF 5.00 on the entrance fee to L'Espace Ballon.