Montparnasse & Southern Paris - Paris - page 555

( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 01 44 26 20 00; www.ballondeparis.com ; Parc André Citroën, 2 rue de la
Montagne de la Fage, 15e; adult/child €12/6; 9am-9.30pm, closes earlier Sep-Apr; Balard or Lour-

mel)
Drift up and up but not away - this helium-filled balloon remains tethered to the ground as it
lifts you 150m into the air for spectacular panoramas over Paris. The balloon plays an active
environmental role, changing colour depending on the air quality and pollution levels. Con-
firm ahead; the balloon doesn't ascend in windy conditions.

ISLAND

ÎLE AUX CYGNES
(Isle of Swans; MAP GOOGLE MAP ; btwn Pont de Grenelle & Pont de Bir Hakeim, 15e; Javel or Bir

Hakeim)
Paris' little-known third island, the artificially created Île aux Cygnes (Isle of Swans), was
formed in 1827 to protect the river port and measures just 850m by 11m. On the western
side of the Pont de Grenelle is a soaring one-quarter scale Statue of Liberty replica ( MAP
GOOGLE MAP ) , inaugurated in 1889. Walk east along the Allée des Cygnes - the tree-lined
walkway that runs the length of the island - for knock-out Eiffel Tower views.