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Burning Man camp Looners took their hot air balloon from Nevada to the South of France to celebrate the joy of being alive during a 4-day micro festival
Burning Man camp Looners are known for taking their magical hot air balloon to the heart of the desert since their debut in 2023. It is a flagship centrepiece that will once again return to Nevada in a few weeks following an unforgettable camp fundraiser event in France which played out from June 29th to July 3rd.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Carcassonne, the Looners team took over the breathtaking 17th-century castle Chateau de Pennautier for a boutique four-day micro festival they called Joie de Vivre, which translates as the ‘joy of life’.
The event had all the usual Looners hallmarks of creativity and passion as well as a warm, friendly community of 150 souls who attended from all over the world. Those in attendance in the South of France were baked in sun and treated to a world class line up of artists including Acid Pauli, Catz ‘n Dogz, Unders, Parallelle, Deer Jade, Allen Hulsey, Bloem, Itai, Tommy Raffa, Brett Love, Mashrik, Ares, Henry Pope, Le President, Artkaana, Matorin, Ali Mae and Rella.
The festival’s activities took place in various beautiful castle rooms and outdoor areas, while other parts of the program unfolded in equally enchanting locations including Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine, a vast 6-million-year-old cave that pay host to “Underneath,” a musical journey that fused electronic sounds with live instrumentation and spoken word led by DJ Unders, Zohar, Santi Bartolomé, and Jac Hoja. The week concluded with a set by Acid Pauli on the castle’s courtyard steps as neon lights beamed down the façade of the historic chateau.
As well as the main musical offerings there were plenty of extra thrills to be had, from ballroom and garden dinners to a 70’s themed pool party, a one-of-a-kind sound journey in a cave to vintage car rides, yoga, poolside sets, massages, wellness activities and of course a ride on Looners’ legendary hot air balloon complete with special DJ sets.
It was a magical few days of dream-like escape, musical fun and unique cultural adventures that truly embodied the French notion of joie de vivre. The 2025 edition will be revealed soon, or for those who cannot wait, dust your Burner boots off to meet Looners Camp on the playa this year at 4:30 and Esplanade.
