Champagne balloon flights have a very long history. Many people believe the customary glass of champagne offered at the end of a hot air balloon ride is nothing more than a celebratory courtesy. Such individuals would be surprised to discover that the champagne toast is a tradition that has been carried on for hundreds of years since the very first hot air balloon flight.
Champagne Balloon Flights: How the Tradition Got Started
On November 12, 1783 two noblemen from the court of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette participated in the first manned flight in a hot air balloon. The pair took off from the center of Paris, rose 500 feet and floated away towards the outskirts of town. Twenty-two minutes later they landed in some local vineyards and were greeted by several suspicious farmers who were very surprised to find a large blazing balloon lying across their fields. In order to placate their local neighbors, the pilots offered them a celebratory glass of champagne and a tradition was born.
Today you would be hard pressed to find a hot air balloon charter company that doesn't participate in the traditional champagne toast. Many pilots believe that it is bad luck not to have at least a sip of bubbly to commemorate a safe trip. Quite often you will find that many balloon baskets even have special compartments designed specifically to carry a bottle of France's finest.
If you are planning on taking a balloon trip any time soon, I strongly recommend that you make sure the charter company offers champagne flights. Whether you choose to pop the cork as soon as you leave ground or opt for a sip after landing, just make sure that you experience at least one toast. And when you do, remember to tip your glass to the two noblemen who started it all.
Read Next 5 Articles
Bahamas Real Estate
Bahamas Building Lots
Real Estate in the Bahamas
Bahamas Homes
Bahamas Homes For Sale