The Helicopter Prison Break That Made Paris Hold Its Breath
On May 26, 1986, Paris witnessed one of the most audacious prison escapes in French history and it wasn’t a man doing it alone.
At the center of the drama was Nadine Vaujour, 34, who wasn’t seeking fame. Her target? Her husband, Michel, locked up for a 28-year sentence in the infamous La Santé Prison.
For months, Nadine trained under the alias Lena Rigon to get a private pilot’s license. And then, on the morning of the escape, she executed the plan flawlessly:
- She rented a civilian helicopter.
- At 10:45 AM, she hovered above La Santé and lowered a rope ladder.
- Michel climbed aboard, leaving behind another inmate eager to escape.
- Within minutes, Nadine flew them to a nearby soccer field, where a car awaited their getaway.
It wasn’t Michel’s first escape, but Nadine’s daring helicopter operation turned the story into legendary criminal folklore a jaw-dropping mix of love, loyalty, and audacious skill.
Some say it’s the ultimate “ride or die” move and it makes you wonder if Hollywood could ever top real life.
