Each year Carne asks employees from across the group to volunteer to take on the challenge of cycling from Paris to Nice – cycling close to 750 kilometers in 6 consecutive days!

This year Luc de Vet and Cord Rodewald, both from our Luxembourg office, have volunteered to take on the challenge. The cycle begins in Paris on Saturday 14 September where Luc and Cord will cycle from Paris to Montargis. All going to plan they should arrive into Nice on the afternoon of 19 September. More information on the route can be found on https://www.paris2nice.com/trip-itinerary

How you can help
Inspired by the work of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and Chernobyl Children International (CCI), Luc and Cord are raising money for these two worthy charities as part of their participation in Paris2Nice 2019.

If you would like to give your support please visit the Carne Team page Carne Team Page and select the cyclist and charity you would like to donate to.

More Information
Further information on Chernobyl Children International (CCI)
Further information on Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Stay tuned for further updates!

Paris2Nice Day 1 

Saturday September 14th, Paris to Montargis 125km

Luc and Cord set out from Paris on day 1 of Paris2Nice…

We leave Paris at 8.15am, 62 cyclists in 6 groups. The Seine guides us out of Paris in perfect weather, not too warm and not too cold. The mood in the team is brilliant. Today’s route is mostly flat with only 430 metres of ascents. Everyone arrives safely into Montargis, nicknamed the “Venice of Gatinais” owing to its 131 bridges. Already a fantastic experience.

Paris2Nice Day 2 

Sunday September 15th, Montargis to Nevers 145km

Cord and Luc set out from Montargis to Nevers on day 2 of Paris2Nice…

We head deeper into the Loire valley where the route takes us via small villages towards Sancerre where we have lunch. The weather is lovely again today, turning a little warm in the afternoon. We pass many beautiful vineyards and every time I take a sip from my water bottle, I asked “why we not just stop for a glass of cool white wine?!” Our destination is the town of Nevers, known for its rich and varied heritage, in particular its palace and cathedral which dominate the landscape of this town. Team spirit is great,                                                        made all the better by a few cool beers after 145 kilometres cycling with an ascent of 1,000m to 1,200m                                                    depending on who you ask!

If you would like to give your support please visit the Carne Team page Carne Team Page and select the cyclist and charity you would like to donate to.

Paris2Nice Day 3 

Monday September 16th, Montelimar to Carpentras 90km

Due to technical problems we start with a delay of two and a half hours. An early morning coach brings us on a 5 hour transfer avoiding the busy city of Lyon to arrive in Provence. On arrival in Provence we have a buffet lunch and start out on stage 3. This afternoon’s cycle takes us through the lavender fields of the region via the wonderful village of Grignan with its stunning Renaissance Castle. We arrive in Carpentras after 75 km without any difficulties. We are at the halfway stage of a beautiful and wonderful tour. Today we wear our MSF jerseys and are grateful for the huge support on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Twitter and on our donation page of the Paris2Nice website. Tomorrow is the hilliest day of the tour. We                                                      also have the option of taking on Mount Ventoux, a serious climbing challenge by any standard!!

Paris2Nice Day 4

Tuesday September 17th, Carpentras to Aix-en-Provence 110km / 155km

This is the hilliest and toughest day so far. The route heads on a wonderful quiet road over the Col De Murs bringing us to the ochre red coloured town of Rousillon, where Samuel Beckett spent the Second World War. Our destination is Aix-en-Provence a lovely town that has been linked with many great artists. Some of the groups cycle directly to Aix-en-Provence with Mont Ventoux looming in the background, a tough 110km cycle. Others take on the challenge of the famous and dominant Mt Ventoux, a wonderful but difficult climb and descent, arriving in Aix-en-Provence 155kms later after around 2,800 metres of climbing. The evening finishes with a welcome beer or two as the sun sets                                                               on another fantastic day.

Paris2Nice Day 5

Wednesday September 18th, Aix-en-Provence to St, Maxime 127km

We cross the Aix region with its wonderful scenery and great association with the artist Paul Cezanne and Mont Sainte-Victoire – a great local landmark. Our destination is St Maxime on the shores of the Riviera. Today is tougher than many expected. We start out with a tough climb, our legs still tired and heavy from yesterday. The weather continues to be good and the spirit in the groups remains high on this the penultimate day of our journey from Paris to Nice. Overall a nice but demanding ride with the last climb before the descent into Maxime catching a few by surprise. Day 5 complete!

Paris2Nice Day 6

Thursday September 19th, St. Maxime to Nice! 105km

Day 6 and the finish line is almost in sight! The last leg of our journey takes us from St. Maxime to Nice, 105km along the beautiful coast before heading inland through the magnificent Cap Esterel overlooking the Mediterranean. Another fantastic day sees us cycle the last few miles along the glamorous resorts of Cannes and Antibes, with wonderful beaches and views before coming on to the famous Promenade des Anglais and into the wonderful resort of Nice. We cross the finish line on the Promenade des Anglais greeted by the welcoming team and a welcome glass of champagne! We’ve done it!!

Thank you to everyone who followed our journey and supported us with messages of good luck and encouragement along the way and especially to those who contributed to our two chosen charities.