Video from the sky: parachutist lands for first time on Mont Saint-Michel

Four parachutists completed a jump into the centre of the iconic Mont Saint-Michel yesterday (May 8), in a world first. 

Mario Gervasi, a world champion parachutist who has undertaken thousands of jumps, was one of the group who completed the feat as part of a commemoration marking 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe on May 8. 

Mr Gervasi had landed at the base of the island in a previous jump in 2018, but this time took the feat one step further by landing in the courtyard of the abbey itself. 

“We have just experienced something very powerful and magical,” he said after completing the jump.

“It was a jump for peace, for our soldiers, to commemorate the end of World War Two and for hope there will not be another one," he added.

Others to take the jump included former members of elite French parachute regiments, and 40-year-old Adeline Delecroix, the sole woman in the group.

‘Jump for peace’

Plans for such a jump have been in the works for a decade, and the location was not chosen by mere chance. 

Not only did the jump look extremely impressive, but Saint Michel (Saint Michael) is the patron saint of parachutists, as well as the military, police officers and several European cities. 

The parachutists jumped from a helicopter to land in the centre of the island as fascinated onlookers followed the jump. 

The feat took place early in the morning, with weather conditions remaining calm, although the lack of wind did make the jump more difficult according to the parachutists.

The video here shows some footage of the jump. 

In addition, French media outlet France3 shared a video from the perspective of Mr Gervasi, which you can watch on its website here.

It is unlikely such a jump will be performed again, due to the difficulty, planning and authorisation required. 

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