This beautiful 0.95 franc airmail stamp was issued by the République Française in 1971 to commemorate the Centenary of the “Ballons Montés” postal service during the Siege of Paris (1870–1871) in the Franco-Prussian War.
The design by Claude Béquet depicts a vivid red-and-blue hot-air balloon rising over a Paris post office, symbolizing the heroic efforts of French postal workers who used balloons to carry mail and messages out of besieged Paris when all other communication lines were cut.

These “Ballons Montés” became legendary in postal history, carrying millions of letters and establishing one of the earliest forms of airmail transport.
This commemorative issue honors their innovation and courage, blending aviation and philatelic heritage into one elegant design.