Starting from the 16th century, the Grand Tour, also known as Junkerfahrt or Cavaliertour in the countries of the Holy Roman Empire, was initially aimed at perfecting humanities and the practice of the arts.
It served to educate young people and allowed them to become a “compleat gentleman” (Peacham, 1623).
The journey had a social function, to see what was to be seen, to forge a common culture. The important thing was to be able to share anecdotes and memories upon returning.
They are six: four siblings and two lifelong friends. They belong to Generation Y, the “globe-trotters.” They love traveling the world in search of their common identities. From Albania through Ireland, Italy, Greece, Australia, or Europe… They only have one idea, which is to discover other civilizations, other landscapes.
Yet, it was by going far away that they realized how much they loved their country: France. They then understood that they had ventured far without knowing their own state. So they returned, with one idea in mind: to hit the road and meet those who make up today’s France.
They thus wanted to create a documentary film entitled “The Grand Tour” that would retrace this journey across the country. From Avignon, through Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, Lille, La Rochelle, Tours, or even the Basque coast… It’s a portrait of France they wish to film and then project in cinemas.
To successfully carry out their venture, they chose to finance their own project. But how to bring it to life or turn it into a DVD? To address this inconvenience, they decided to collaborate with the French, to share the idea. They thus launched a funding request on the platform: Kiss Kiss-Bangbang.
And what a surprise they had! Out of the 8,000 euros expected, the cap was exceeded with over 10,000 euros at the closure last May 19. They feel very proud to see that their project resonates with other people, from England to Canada.
The journey will start aboard a minibus on June 25, after a giant farewell party the night before. Everyone is invited. The aperitif is also what will allow these Generation Y travelers to break the ice during their encounters with the French. Because, as Olivier says: “We all share the memory of a beautiful summer evening, where we are among friends or friends of friends. We learn to discover each other, we exchange, we laugh… As a result, we are going to meet people over a shared drink.”
Eighteen official aperitifs are already planned and organized with local councils and community associations of the towns and villages they will pass through, for one day. Most of the time they will sleep in campsites or with friends across France. And if they don’t find any in a given area, they will make camp in nature.
A journey of several thousand kilometers filmed by a camerawoman named Maude, from Aix-Marseille University. For two months, she will film the French and broadcast the journey on social networks like Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, or others…
Several brands have joined this event, notably Esquive (based in Lyon), as well as Wood Life (a Parisian brand of “super-cool lumberjacks”). As for the technical side (backpacks and tents) there are also wonderful surprises. Cabanon tents are present. The company based in Dunkirk lends them one of their tents. “It makes you travel, just seeing them,” “it feels like a wonderful world.”
So the Generation Y travelers will no longer spend their nights “under the stars.” As for the backpacks, it is the Silaho company that equips them. The brand specializes in highly resistant mountain gear. These backpacks allow the small team to carry their equipment considering, according to Emily, “they will need to travel light” during this tour of France.
A tour they hope to be successful, in order to inspire others to try out the experience as well. See you on the 24th, on the eve of their grand departure.
Thomas Lagesse, EDJ
