Henri Rougier Plaque

How did a bicycle racer end up with a plaque commemorating a flight? Here at the Henri Rougier Plaque, we unravel that story. This stone memorial, inscribed “C’est ici que partit le 3 mars 1910 l’aviateur H. Rougier sur biplan Voisin…”, marks a significant moment in aviation history. Henri Rougier, born in Marseille in 1876, wasn’t just an aviator. He was a man of many speeds, starting with bicycles, then moving to automobiles and finally conquering the skies. The Henri Rougier Plaque commemorates his flight from this very spot on March 3, 1910, in a Voisin biplane. Rougier’s career began with bicycle racing. He transitioned to automobiles, becoming a dealer for Turcat-Méry cars and competing in several Grands Prix. He even won the first-ever Monte Carlo Rally in 1911. But his thirst for speed wasn’t quenched. In 1908, he turned his attention to the burgeoning field of aviation. He quickly made a name for himself, setting world altitude records in 1909. His aerial exploits, including daring flights across the Mediterranean and over Mount Agel, earned him accolades and the eleventh French pilot’s license. The Henri Rougier Plaque serves as a reminder of his pioneering spirit. It stands as a testament to a man who wasn’t content with just one form of speed. This plaque is more than just a stone marker. It represents the spirit of early aviation, a time when daring individuals pushed the boundaries of what was possible. Henri Rougier, a champion on land and in the air, left an indelible mark on the world of speed.