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Origin and history

The Pégud Museum, located in Montferrat en Isère, is dedicated to Adolphe Pégud, a French aviator born in this village on 13 June 1889. This museum commemorates his life, his aerial exploits and his pioneering role in aviation, notably as the first pilot to jump parachute and make acrobatic figures by plane.

Adolphe Pégud, from a family of farmers, left Montferrat at 14 for Paris, where he joined the army at 18 years of age. His military career led him to Algeria, Morocco, and then metropolis, where he discovered aviation thanks to Captain Louis Carlin. After his service, he became a test pilot for Louis Blériot and made historical feats, such as the first parachute jump in 1913.

During the First World War, Pégud became an ace of aviation, winning six air victories. He was shot dead on 31 August 1915 at Petit-Croix, near Belfort, just 26 years old. His native museum, as well as a memorial in Montferrat, perpetuate his memory.

The museum exhibits objects related to his career, including his mascot, a penguin, found on his plane after his death. He also traces his journey, from his modest beginnings to his consecration as a national hero, decorated with the Legion of Honour and the Cross of War.

Pégud is also honoured by streets in his name in several French cities, as well as by posthumous tributes, such as the 2014 promotion of the École de l'Air bearing his name. His legacy continues in the history of aviation and the First World War.

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