Alexis, Tommy, and Florent, three students from the Aix campus who are in their second year of the Grande Ecole Program and passionate about mechanics, have just completed an 8,000-kilometer journey through 22 European countries in a Peugeot 205 as part ofthe Europ'Raid. Their mission: to deliver 70 kg of humanitarian aid to disadvantaged schools while discovering the riches of Eastern Europe.
They look back on their adventure of solidarity and mechanics.
Why did you decide to take part in the Europ'Raid?
As all three of us are passionate about cars and mechanics, guided by the values of our school and shared by all Arts et Métiers students, we discovered the Europ'Raid, which brought all of this together. The humanitarian and solidarity aspect on the one hand, and the adventure aspect associated with the legendary Peugeot 205 on the other, immediately motivated us to sign up and prepare for this solidarity rally.
Mechanics fans, what have you repaired on the car?
Mechanical preparations required by the Europ'Raid organizers had to be carried out, including replacing the cylinder head gasket, installing new spark plugs, changing all fluids, and performing a general check of the car. However, we wanted to make our vehicle as reliable as possible.
We were fortunate to have a sponsor who provided us with all the parts free of charge. So we changed and overhauled absolutely everything in the car, with the help of friends and family and the expertise of the campus teaching staff: cylinder head rectification, valve lapping and adjustment, ignition and carburetor adjustment (done by a professional), brake master cylinder replacement, addition of a water temperature sensor... Everything was changed except for the brakes, which had been changed by the previous owner (this detail is important).
We did most of this work in the community mechanical workshop located in the residence, and the final details before departure were done at home.
We worked hard on the car for a month once the school year was over. But we would have liked to have started the mechanical preparations a little earlier so that we could have been more relaxed. Fortunately, we didn't have any major problems.
How did the raid go?
The Raid started in Sochaux at the beginning of August. We immediately met other people with whom we got along right away. The exchanges were very enriching. Everyone had different profiles (education, place of residence, age, etc.).
We spent 20 days traveling through 22 countries in Eastern Europe. We crossed Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Every day, the Roadbook gave us the itinerary and points of interest (landscapes, cultural sites, lakes to cool off in, etc.).
We often traveled in convoy with other 205s, which allowed us to benefit from the solidarity of all the crews. We never failed to stop when a crew seemed to be in distress on the side of the road, and vice versa.
We distributed our 70 kg of humanitarian aid in Shkodër on the seventh day, in Albania, at a shelter for children from Roma communities in Egypt.
It was a very emotional moment, as we realized how lucky we were to have access to healthcare and education, when this is not at all the case in countries that are very close to our own.
We then continued our journey (with the car unloaded of 70 kg of humanitarian aid, which was a relief!).
Every night, we slept in tents and camp beds provided by the Student Union.
Once again, it was an opportunity to meet wonderful people, but also to sample local dishes, as the organizers provided half board and camping sites. Don't be afraid of cold showers or squat toilets!
Then, the Raid ended in Compiègne—which was quite funny for us, since that's where the Duke of La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt created the school that took in the nation's wards.
It was time to say goodbye to everyone we had become friends with and to see the 220 Peugeot 205s together one last time.
What have you learned from your experience?
First, this trip allowed us to discover magnificent landscapes that we might never have noticed otherwise. We loved Montenegro. Seeing bears in Romania was a pleasant surprise!
In addition, discovering so many different cultures and histories right on our doorstep was very enriching. Some countries are younger than ours, and understanding how they are trying to rebuild after long wars is fascinating.
It was also a great lesson in humility. Because on our continent, just a stone's throw from our beautiful country, there are people who do not have access to clean water, healthcare, quality food, or education.
We also faced many unexpected situations, particularly when the brake pads installed by the previous owner seized up and overheated while descending the Swiss mountain passes. People immediately helped us set up camp the next morning at dawn, gave us advice, and we changed those brake pads in a parking lot in Milan!
The Europ'Raid was much more than just a rally: it was a real lesson in life, resilience, and generosity.
What is your fondest memory?
For all three of us, our fondest memory was donating humanitarian aid in Albania. The moments we shared with those children who, despite the language barrier, showed us their gratitude with stars in their eyes.
For Alexis, it was also the breathtaking landscapes of Montenegro.
Tommy was struck by all the encounters we had during the Europ'Raid.
For Florent, it was the solidarity among the participants that impressed him. No matter what time or place, someone will help you.
What advice would you give to students who would like to embark on such an experience?
You have to start early, but above all, you have to believe in your abilities.
All the soft skills we developed at Arts et Métiers invaluable in preparing for such an adventure.
Looking for sponsors can often be demotivating, but you must never get discouraged. Make sure you use the school's network as well as your own personal network.
Don't hesitate to do the mechanical preparation yourself, especially as a future engineer. The Peugeot 205 is the perfect car for learning.
It's also important to note that this is a mixed humanitarian rally for all ages. The organization is very efficient and mechanical assistance is available at all times if needed.
The last word
We had a projected budget of €12,000, including the purchase of the car. Based on what we saw, it is important to buy a car that is already well maintained. All of the major breakdowns during the Europ'Raid occurred on cars with high mileage or that were poorly prepared.
We had about ten sponsors and received many donations from friends and family, which together enabled us to complete the Europ'Raid (excluding extra expenses such as lunch, visits, etc.).
We spent our last euros at the Compiègne toll booth!
