Hello Florian, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Florian Coupé : Hello! Let's start with my studies... I studied engineering at the Ecole Polytechnique and I've always had a keen interest in long-distance travel, especially by bike. From an early age, I was drawn to adventure and the great outdoors, which naturally led me to scouting. After a few years as an engineer in the energy strategy sector, I decided to quit my job to realize a dream: to cycle across Asia for a year.
"The idea of this year-long journey grew out of my commitment to scouting".
Your latest trip from Paris to South Korea is impressive. Can you tell us what motivated you to undertake this journey, and what role Scouting played in this adventure?
Florian Coupé: The idea for this trip came from my involvement in scouting. It has always taught me the importance of discovery, mutual aid and respect for the environment. The World Scout Jamboree, held in South Korea, was the ideal opportunity to combine all these values. We wanted to show that it's possible to travel ecologically and adventurously, while inspiring other Scouts to do the same for future events.
"The Jamboree is a unique opportunity to promote peace".
Can you tell us about the World Scout Jamboree and its importance?
Florian Coupé: The World Scout Jamboree is a major event held every four years, bringing together young Scouts aged 14 to 17 from all over the world. It's a unique opportunity to promote peace, intercultural understanding and global friendship. In South Korea, some 50,000 young people were expected to attend. The event is a true celebration of the spirit of scouting, and a platform for discussing important issues such as the environment, cultural diversity and sustainable development.
What were the main stages of your trip, and what challenges did you encounter?
Florian Coupé: We crossed Europe via **the Euro Vélo 6 **to the Black Sea, then the Caucasus with stops in Georgia and Azerbaijan.
We then crossed the Caspian Sea by boat to reach Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Mongolia was our last major stop before entering China, then crossing the Yellow Sea to arrive in South Korea.
Geopolitics was a major challenge, with border closures and regional tensions. Climatic conditions, particularly in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, were also very trying.
"Geopolitics really complicated our trip".
You mentioned geopolitics as one of the challenges. Can you tell us more about it?
Florian Coupé: Yes, geopolitics really complicated our trip. For example, we had originally planned to cross Russia, but the political situation made that impossible.
We had to adapt our itinerary accordingly. Access to certain countries such as Azerbaijan was limited, and we had to make difficult decisions, such as flying a short distance. In China, obtaining a visa was also a challenge, as the authorities are very strict on travelers entering through certain sensitive regions.
"Arriving in China and meeting local people who had never seen Westerners was a very powerful moment."
What were the most memorable moments of this trip?
Florian Coupé: There were so many! Crossing Lake Son Kul in Kyrgyzstan, for example, was an incredible experience. It's a lake at an altitude of 3,000 metres, surrounded by mountains. We were alone, in the middle of nature, with difficult weather conditions.
Arriving in China and meeting local people who had never seen Westerners before was another highlight. Crossing the Yellow Sea to reach South Korea marked the end of our journey, a moment of great satisfaction and fulfillment.
"This trip was a way of living the Scouting spirit to the full while promoting a more sustainable way of life."
How did scouting influence your trip and your approach to adventure?
Florian Coupé: Scouting taught me essential values such as mutual aid, resilience and respect for the environment. These values were at the heart of our trip.
We applied the principles of preparedness and self-reliance learned in scouting. The scouting network also helped us a great deal. This trip was a way of living the Scout spirit to the full, while promoting a more sustainable way of life.
How did you finance and organize the trip?
Florian Coupé: We benefited from the support of the international Scout network, which helped us with accommodation and local contacts. We also worked with partners to finance some of our equipment and travel. Logistics were an essential part of our preparation, with careful planning of each stage and back-up solutions in case of problems.
What are your future plans after this adventure?
Florian Coupé: The documentary film of our trip will be released on June 29! It aims to share our experience and inspire others to follow our example.
We also plan to give lectures and organize workshops to help young people prepare their own expeditions. Our long-term goal is to see a **thousand young people travel to Poland for the 2027 Jamboree **using sustainable means of transport such as bicycles.
What lessons have you learned from this adventure that you'd like to share with young scouts and budding adventurers?
Florian Coupé: The first lesson is that preparation is essential. Good planning and knowledge of the challenges ahead can make all the difference. Secondly, you have to be flexible and ready to adapt to the unexpected. Obstacles are inevitable, but they can often lead to rewarding experiences.
Finally, the importance of **helping others and showing solidarity **cannot be underestimated. Travelling with trusted comrades makes the adventure safer and more enjoyable!
Any final words for our readers?
Florian Coupé: I encourage everyone to **get out of their comfort zone **and discover the world in a sustainable way. Adventure is within everyone's reach, you just have to get started. For me, scouting has been a school of life and adventure, and I hope that others can benefit from it as much as I have.
