In the heart of the Mont-Valérien fortress in Suresnes, the Musée de la Colombophilie Militaire traces the fascinating history of military carrier pigeons. Created in 1981, the museum is run by the 8ᵉ régiment de transmissions. It is open to groups by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and to individual visitors during sEuropean Heritage Days.
The museum traces the evolution of pigeon racing from antiquity to the present day, with particular emphasis on the crucial role played by homing pigeons in world conflicts. Among the highlights is the stuffed remains of "Vaillant", a heroic pigeon decorated during the First World War for its bravery. Did you know that Mont-Valérien is home to the last active military dovecote in Europe? This place steeped in history perpetuates tradition and bears witness to the importance of military transmissions.
Here, we immerse ourselves in the world of the "feathered fighters" who risked their lives to transmit essential messages from outposts. It's an opportunity to discover a little-known facet of our heritage, as well as a tribute to the carrier pigeons that made history.
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Location
Mont-Valérien fortress
1 Avenue du Colonel Hubert Delestree
92150 Suresnes
Official website
www.suresnes-tourisme.com
