Charity

Paris2Nice fundraising cycle

10th – 16th September 2021

Events

15 September 2021

Each year employees from Carne volunteer to take on the challenge of cycling from Paris to Nice – 700km in just 6 days – to raise funds for charity.

The Paris2Nice cycle takes place this year from September 10^th to 16^th and Carne’s Christophe Douche, from our Luxembourg office, and Jeremy Soutter, from our UK office, are taking on the challenge to raise money for The ALS Association, The Ellie Soutter Foundation, Chernobyl Children International and Special Olympics New Jersey.

Christophe and Jeremy will also provide regular updates in the lead up to the challenge as well as a daily blog during it, so make sure to check back to see how they are doing.

In the meantime, you can find out more about each charity below.

The ALS Association

The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy, while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.

https://www.als.org/

The Ellie Soutter Foundation

The purpose of the Foundation is to identify and provide support for young people, who have a talent for winter sports and would otherwise be unable to maximise their potential because of a lack of financial resources.

https://theelliesoutter.foundation/

Chernobyl Children International

Chernobyl Children International (CCI) help families & communities suffering from the fallout of Chernobyl.

https://www.chernobyl-international.com/

Special Olympics New Jersey

Special Olympics New Jersey is dedicated to bringing pride into the lives of all involved. Their mission is to provide sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

https://www.sonj.org/

Day 1: Jeremy Soutter and Christophe Douches’ journeys begin

Day 1 and Jeremy, Christophe and everyone in their group left Paris this morning. Today they are circling 125km from Paris to Montargis, nicknamed the “Venice of Gatinais” owing to its 131 bridges.

Day 2: Jeremy Soutter and Christophe Douche set out from Montargis to Nevers – 145km

Jeremy and Christophe’s destination today is Nevers, known for its rich and varied heritage, in particular its palace and cathedral, which dominate the landscape of this town. The morning cycling takes them to a refreshment break in Gien and heading deeper into the Loire valley, where the route takes them via small villages towards Sancerre for lunch.

Day 3: Crossing the wonderful scenery from Montelimar to Carpentras – 90km

An early morning coach brings Jeremy and Christophe on a 5-hour transfer avoiding the busy city of Lyon to arrive in Provence. This afternoon’s cycle was challenged by the high temperatures but with wonderful views of the lavender fields and the village of Grignan with its stunning Renaissance Castle. Tomorrow is the hilliest day of the tour. They also have the option of taking on Mount Ventoux, a serious climbing challenge by any standard!

Day 4: Jeremy and Christophe try to ascend the Mont Ventoux Carpentras to Aix-En-Provence – 125km/164km

This is the hilliest and toughest day as the route heads on a wonderful quiet road over the Col De Murs to bring them to the ochre red coloured town of Rousillon, where Samuel Beckett spent the Second World War. The destination is Aix-en-Provence, with Jeremy and Christophe taking on the 1,910-metre climb to the top of the famous and dominant Mont Ventoux. They encountered torrential rain at 5km from the summit, forcing Christophe to stop. “Even if you are not the best Sportif or have a limited chance to succeed, you tried…”

Jeremy was able to make it to the top of the mountain, a hugely rewarding achievement!

Day 5: Group support in the battling uphill from Aix-En-Provence to St. Maxime – 127km

Jeremy and Christophe cross the Aix region with its wonderful scenery and great association with the artist Paul Cezanne and Mont Sainte-Victoire – a great local landmark. Their destination is St Maxime on the shores of the Riviera. Today’s route is tougher than many expected, involving ‘climbing’ from early morning and torrential rain in the last 3km. An extraordinary level of support in the groups remains high on this penultimate day of their journey.

Day 6: The last leg of Jeremy and Christophe’s journey from St. Maxime to Nice – 105km

Day 6 and the finish line is almost in sight! Today’s circle starts along the beautiful coast before heading inland through the magnificent Cap Esterel overlooking the Mediterranean. Their last few miles are along with the glamorous resorts of Cannes and Antibes onto the famous Promenade des Anglais and into the wonderful resort of Nice. Jeremy and Christophe cross the finish line on the Promenade des Anglais greeted by the welcoming team. They’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 four fantastic charities.