French Adventurers Complete Monumental 16-Country Walk from France to Shanghai
In an extraordinary feat of human endurance and determination, two French adventurers have successfully concluded their epic journey on foot from France to Shanghai, arriving at their destination on Saturday after an incredible 518 days of travel. Loic Voisot and Benjamin Humblot celebrated their triumphant arrival on the iconic Bund promenade, with Shanghai's magnificent skyline serving as the perfect backdrop to their remarkable achievement.
A Journey Born from Friendship and Environmental Consciousness
The pair, who have known each other since they were just 10 years old and attended both secondary school and university together, embarked on this life-changing adventure from Annecy, France in September 2024. The idea for their monumental journey emerged during a casual conversation after work when they discovered their shared desire for a "great adventure."
"When we talked about adventure, China came up quickly," Humblot explained. "Then we had this slightly crazy idea of going on foot." Their decision to travel to China without flying was deeply rooted in environmental concerns, with both adventurers expressing strong awareness about climate change and human responsibility.
"We're both conscious of climate change, and the responsibility humans bear for it," said Voisot, who works as a climate consultant. "There are some actions we can take individually."
Overcoming Challenges Across 12,850 Kilometers
The journey spanned approximately 12,850 kilometers (7,980 miles) across 16 countries, with the adventurers walking almost the entire distance. The only exception was a short stretch in Russia where they traveled by bus for safety reasons. Throughout their 518-day odyssey, Voisot and Humblot faced numerous significant challenges that tested their physical and mental fortitude.
"There were very hard winters, we had to cross the desert in Uzbekistan," Voisot recounted, expressing pride in "having had the willpower to always keep going." Despite these hardships, the pair generally maintained good nutrition throughout their journey, though Humblot noted they both particularly missed French cheese during their travels.
A Growing Following and Emotional Arrival
As their journey progressed, the French duo developed a growing following across social media platforms and traditional media outlets. Approximately 50 people gathered at the starting point for their final 10-kilometer stretch into Shanghai, including local residents who had been following their progress online. Their arrival celebration saw participation from media representatives, French residents living in Shanghai, and other supporters who joined them along the way.
"We were thinking about this moment almost every day for more than a year now, so it's a really strong feeling," Humblot shared after reaching their destination. "I think first and foremost we're proud, especially of having dared to do this... We weren't sure we'd make it, but we told ourselves we'd try it out."
Looking Forward to Rest and Reflection
When asked about his immediate plans after completing this monumental journey, Voisot responded with a simple but heartfelt answer: "sleep a lot!" This response reflects the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with such an extended period of constant travel and challenge.
The successful completion of this journey represents not just a personal achievement for Voisot and Humblot, but also serves as an inspiring example of sustainable travel and human perseverance. Their story demonstrates what can be accomplished through friendship, determination, and a commitment to environmental principles, setting a remarkable precedent for adventure travel in an age increasingly concerned with ecological impact.
