Ballon de Paris: free scientific flights for the general public during COP30 in the Parc André-Citroën (15th arrondissement)

Paris takes to the skies with a project that blends science, the city and emotion. Le Ballon de Paris opens free educational flights to the general public, to measure the air we breathe. You’ll experience a sensitive moment, and leave with clear data.

Scientific flights with the Ballon de Paris

Set up in the Parc André-Citroën, the Ballon de Paris is transformed into an open laboratory. Teams welcome young and old alike, then explain the measurements live. In this way, everyone can visualize air quality according to altitude. Mediators are also on hand to answer specific questions from local residents.

Ballon Generali de Paris. A tethered balloon, it carries up to 30 passengers per flight and ascends smoothly. Inflated with 6,200 m³ of helium, it remains stable, silent and carries the Ballon de Paris experience.

Flights take place in calm weather conditions, with a gradual climb. In this way, the instruments compare the layer close to the ground with the air above. At an altitude of around 150 m, significant differences can already be observed. As a result, the Ballon de Paris makes the invisible visible.

“Science becomes tangible when the city can be read from the sky.”

Science and education on board

Each session begins on the ground, with a simple reminder of the protocol. The sensors are then turned on as soon as the aircraft boards, and again during the ascent. What’s more, the team popularizes the results on site, in real time. The Ballon de Paris thus becomes a suspended classroom.

Aerophile – Tuileries balloon. Artistic tethered balloon project, presented at the Jardin des Tuileries during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It illustrates Aerophile’s ability to link culture, territory and aeronautics.

• Educational flights on the Ballon de Paris, free sessions according to time slots
• Real-time aerosol and gas measurements
• Operational altitude around 150 m, weather permitting
• Reception by mediators trained in protocols
• Location: Parc André-Citroën, Paris 15th arrondissement

Instruments and protocols for participation

Two families of tools follow the same path, but not the same tracks. Gas sensors trace CO₂, methane and water vapor. In parallel, an optical counter counts fine particles. Le Ballon de Paris brings these data together for an instant portrait.

CNRS LPC2E – LOAC. The Light Optimal Aerosol Counter counts and classifies fine particles. It distinguishes between several sizes, useful for linking sources and health effects.

Surveys complement ground networks and models. Also, the verticality of the profile helps to understand urban dispersion. As a result, the contributions of traffic and heating can be better located. The mediators explain how these curves play out in everyday life.

Practical information for Ballon de Paris

Slots are announced according to weather windows and team availability. Access is free, subject to availability. A safety check is carried out before each ascent. However, certain physical and age conditions may apply.

Make sure you wear clothing suited to wind and temperature variations. This will ensure optimum comfort during the ascent. Le Ballon de Paris operates in light winds and good visibility. Consequently, a postponement may be necessary on the same day.

Towards a city that breathes better

LSCE – ICOS – GES measurement box. Sensors track methane, carbon dioxide and water vapor. This data sheds light on background cycles and local emissions.

The choice of helium guarantees safe, non-flammable lift. As a result, the gas is only used to maintain the captive balloon. What’s more, our teams constantly monitor the condition of the equipment. The priority remains the safety of passengers and local residents.

The results don’t change the city overnight. And yet, they feed research, communities and public debate. Le Ballon de Paris adds a missing piece to the urban puzzle. In short, you’ll leave with benchmarks for everyday action.

• Paris balloon