André-Jacques Garnerin: The first parachute jump in history at Parc Monceau

On October 22, 1797, a spectacular experiment captivated Parisian society: in the elegant Parc Monceau, which had been created just a few years earlier by the Duke of Orléans as an extravagant landscape garden, André-Jacques Garnerin attempted the seemingly impossible - the first manned parachute jump in history.

The physicist and student of the famous gas balloon inventor Jacques Charles has a vision: he wants to develop a rescue option for balloonists in emergencies. On this autumn day, thousands of onlookers gather between the artificial ruins, the Egyptian pyramid and the ancient colonnade. They all want to witness a moment that will go down in aviation history.

Theme board in Parc Monceau during the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 (Photo: Klaus Lintemeier)

At a dizzying height of 900 meters, the unbelievable happens: Garnerin cuts the rope that connects his basket to the balloon. His self-constructed parachute - nothing more than a giant silk umbrella - unfolds above him. The crowd holds its breath. After a dramatic landing that leaves him with a sprained ankle, Garnerin is celebrated as a hero.

What many people don't know: His wife Jeanne Labrosse shared his passion for flying and made history herself. In 1798 she was the first woman to fly alone in a balloon, and just one year later she also dared to jump with a parachute. The courageous couple toured Europe and inspired a whole generation of aviation pioneers.

Garnerin's life ended tragically: in 1823, he was hit by a falling beam while filling a balloon. Today, a memorial plaque in the park, installed on the 200th anniversary of his historic jump, commemorates that memorable day in the autumn of 1797.

Plaque commemorating the first parachute jump by André-Jacques Garnerin in Parc Monceau (Photo: Klaus Lintemeier)

Thank you very much, dear Sylvie, for this discovery!