Paris from a balloon

The Ballon Air de Paris (phone 01 44 26 20 00 or visit, in French only, www.ballondeparis.com) is a huge, tethered hot-air balloon that lifts 30 people at a time 150 meters into the air over Parc André Citroën to enjoy views of Paris.

Operating daily, it takes visitors for 10-minute rides from 9 a.m. until 30 minutes before the park closes. On weekends and holidays the price is €12 (near $15.50) adult, €10 for kids 12-17 and €6 for kids 3-10. Weekday prices are €1 less.

About a mile south of the Eiffel Tower, the park is at Javel or Balard Métro stop on the RER C line. The balloon began operating in 1999, and since 2008 it changes color (from green to red) to indicate air quality.