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The Hot Air Balloon European Cup and Ladies World Cup is to be held at Mainfonds (16 Charente, Poitou-Charentes) from Thursday 3 - Sunday 6 August 2006. Southeast of Cognac (see map)
Depending on the wind conditions you might catch sight of the balloons anywhere between Cognac and Angouleme in the north to Jonzac and Saintes in the south - although do remember that the best time for balloons tends to be early morning or evening.
There is also a competition for "aerostatic" flying - a real test of the pilot's skills in holding the balloon steady at a fixed point, The French equivalent of the Red Arrows - la Patrouille de France will also be there.
For more info see www.hotairballooneuropeancup.com
NB The french for Hot Air Balloon is "montgolfier", so named after the inventors (brothers) who perfected the idea towards the end of the 18th Century.