The Deadly Duel Over A Woman That Was Fought Aboard Hot Air Balloons
In 1808, two Frenchmen took to the skies to fight each other after they found out they were seeing the same woman
Duels used to be a popular way for a person to settle matters of honor, insults, and other disputes. These fights most typically involve weapons like fists, knives, words and guns, and the outcome was determined by the last man standing or alive. One of the most unusual contests was between two Frenchmen in the early 19th century, who resorted to mutual combat while each onboard a different hot air balloon because they each loved the same woman.
In 1808 Paris, a woman named Mademoiselle Tirevit enjoyed some amount of fame as one of the dancers that performed for the Paris Opera. She became the companion of a gentleman by the name of Grandpre while simultaneously also seeing another man named Le Pique.
Less than a decade removed from the end of the French Revolution, there was a heightened sense of standing up for what belonged to you, including matters of romance. When Grandpre discovered his paramour was stepping out with another, he took it as an especially egregious personal affront. After confronting his romantic rival, the two determined to settle the matter with ultimate finality — by…
