If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Paris with kids, we recently tried the Ballon de Paris Generali in Parc André-Citroën and it turned out to be so much fun.
It’s a large helium balloon that rises up to 150 metres above the city (safely attached to the ground), giving you a full 360° view over Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. The ride lasts about 10 minutes and moves slowly and smoothly, which makes it much less intimidating than it looks from below. We did this with my 6-year-old, and while it seemed a bit daunting at first, the gentle ascent and calm pace made it easy to enjoy. It’s also not just a ride as the balloon is used to measure air quality in Paris, with colours that reflect pollution levels. In this post, I’m sharing what it’s really like, what to expect, and a few practical tips to know before you go, especially if you’re visiting Paris with kids.
If you’re planning your itinerary, I’ve also shared more ideas in my free Paris Itineraries with Kids. My Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids is also packed with family-friendly tips and recommendations on things to see and do in Paris. Join me on Instagram to get more inspiration for things to do and see in Paris.
What is the Ballon de Paris Generali?
The Ballon de Paris Generali is a tethered helium balloon that rises up to 150 metres above the city. Unlike a hot air balloon, a cable keeps it anchored to the ground, so it doesn’t drift. The balloon goes straight up, then back down.
It’s actually the largest tethered balloon in the world, and while it looks like a fun attraction (which it is), it also serves a real purpose: it’s used to measure air quality in Paris, tracking pollution levels like fine particles and nitrogen dioxide. In fact, the balloon changes colour depending on air quality, which makes it an easy, visual way to talk about it with kids.
Our experience on the Ballon de Paris Generali with kids
We decided to do this on a really nice day — clear skies, no wind — and after a quick check online that the balloon was flying, we headed over to Parc André-Citroën without booking tickets in advance. When we arrived mid-morning, there was already a line forming to buy tickets. We ended up waiting about 30 minutes, which wasn’t too bad. Being in a park makes a big difference as there’s space for kids to move around, play on the grass, and not feel stuck in a typical queue.
Some people had bought their tickets online beforehand, but they still had to wait in the same line as everyone else. So booking in advance doesn’t actually save you time here. It just means you skip the ticket purchase step. Once it was our turn, everything moved quite smoothly. The ride itself lasts about 10 minutes, and the ascent is incredibly gentle and quiet. From below, it looks a bit intimidating, but in reality, it rises slowly and steadily — you barely feel the movement.
At the top, the platform rotates gradually, which means you don’t need to move around to see different views. You naturally get a full 360° panorama over Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, without any effort. That made it especially easy with a child as there was no rushing to one side or trying to find the “best spot.”
If you’re thinking about tickets, the easiest option is to decide on the day. Once you see the balloon is flying, you can either buy at the ticket desk or quickly purchase them online while you’re in line. The tickets are usually about €1 cheaper online, and you just scan the barcode.
This isn’t the kind of attraction you build your whole Paris trip around but it’s a very cool experience to try as a family activity. The balloon is within easy reach of the Eiffel Tower so you can combine this activity with a trip to see the Eiffel Tower.
Quick tips:
- Check the weather before heading out (click here to check)
- Don’t book tickets in advance as the weather can change last minute and flights get cancelled
- Buy tickets once you’re there
- Plan it as park of a park visit with playground fun
Afterwards, we stayed a bit longer in the park itself. The modern looking Parc André-Citroën has wide open spaces, playground areas, and plenty of room to run around, so it’s easy to turn this into a relaxed half-day outing rather than just a quick activity.
Address: Parc André Citroën, 75015 Paris
Tickets: €19 (ages 12+), €14 (ages 3-11), free for under 3
Nearest metro stations: Balard (line 8), Javel – André Citroën (line 10)
More on Paris with Kids
Where are the best playgrounds in Paris? – fun playgrounds close to main attractions.
Best toy stores in Paris – French themed gifts to bring back home and interesting finds.
Best museums in Paris for kids – smaller museums that are less overwhelming for younger children.
What to do in Paris with kids on a rainy day – options for keeping children entertained and dry in the city.
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