A perfect destination
In our exhibition “The Invention of Flight”, your students will discover the history of balloons and the invention of human flight. A journey through the skies, discovering a world in transformation, from 1783 to tomorrow.
“Learning while having fun” is Maestro's credo. That's why we've designed a series of fun and instructive experiences to punctuate and enliven the visit.
The highlight of the visit is the 4D Balloon Flight, a passenger flight simulator that will take your students aboard a balloon, through the four seasons of the Pays-d'Enhaut.
The Balloon Flight Simulator is an immersive experience unlike any other. Your students will pilot of a hot-air balloon and try to land on a target.
Capacity: 12 10-minute flights per hour, suitable for students aged 14 and over.
We recommend that you book a guided tour. Our guides will be delighted to welcome your children, take them through this fascinating story and accompany them on their explorations.
The entire exhibition is presented in French, German and English.
Your visit in details
The “Invention of Flight” interactive exhibition is an exciting journey through space and time, exploring the history of balloons, the conquest of the skies and space. It offers an overview of the extraordinary transformation of the world and our way of life, from 1783 to the present day. This overview of the industrial era is made up of short, illustrated stories, chronologically covering a wide range of themes: the invention of balloons and the discovery of the sky, air, land and sea transport, space exploration, scientific exploration, technological evolution, changing lifestyles, art, photography, energy production and consumption.
Along the way, you'll be treated to a number of entertaining activities, including the take-off of a small hot-air balloon, a 19th-century photographic studio, a capsule for a round-the-world balloon flight with Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones, the first aerial photographs of Switzerland and the Alps by Eduard Spelterini, and the RTS archives.
Our exhibition guide includes the full text of the “Invention of Flight” exhibition. It enables students to prepare for or extend their visit with a simple, accessible reading. The brochure is available in French, German and English. We'll be happy to send it to you in pdf format on request.
Younger visitors (6-12 years) are greeted by Maestro, from the “Once upon a time” series. He accompanies them on an exciting adventure, with a brochure and stamps to collect.
For teenagers (12-16), there's a quiz. It cover all the themes explored in the exhibition, providing students with a guideline for their explorations.
The 4D BALLOON FLIGHT is a spectacular experience for groups of 8 passengers. Your students will fly through the four seasons, discovering the traditions and sublime landscapes of the Pays-d'Enhaut.
Duration 8 minutes, included in admission ticket
ULTRAMAGIC BALLOON FLIGHT SIMULATOR is a unique simulator that realistically recreates the experience of piloting a hot-air balloon. As part of a school visit, you will be accompanied by an instructor for the duration of the experience. The price is 150 Swiss francs per hour of use, which corresponds to 12 flights of around 10 minutes each, in groups of 3 pilots. Available from age 14.
A breath of fresh air
ESPACE BALLON is located in the center of the village of Château-d'Oex, less than 200 meters from the MOB train station. You can combine your visit with a picnic in the nature, mini-golf or bowling (in case of rain), or a workshop at the Centre Suisse du Découpage. A varied, instructive and active excursion in one of Switzerland's most beautiful mountain regions.
For more information : https://www.alpesvaudoises.ch/fr/stories/paysdenhaut
Testimonials
Janet
Lorraine
Les Racettes (Genève)