A committed student, passionate cyclist, and socially conscious citizen, Thomas Vannier has just completed a remarkable adventure. At 23 years old, before starting his final year of civil engineering studies at Mines Paris – PSL in September, he spent his summer cycling across France with the aim of raising funds and raising public awareness of the missions of the two associations he supports.
From May 31 to August 16, he traveled across France, pulling a trailer behind his bike, staying each night with local residents and accompanied at times by friends, volunteers, or strangers. But beyond the sporting challenge, which took him to the legendary mountain passes of the Alps, his project was built around encounters: in each stopover town, concerts, charity drinks receptions, and plays brought together residents and donors. Result: over €10,000 raised for the two charities!
This deeply human and eco-responsible initiative reflects the values upheld by the School: boldness, responsibility, and commitment to serving society. It also illustrates the community spirit and civic-mindedness of engineering students, who are committed to meaningful causes.
I want to send a clear message: we, as Mines engineers, can and must be committed engineers. Society needs our expertise and our voice to support essential causes: environmentalism, of course, but also other forms of commitment, including remembrance and the fight against disease.
Three questions for Thomas Vannier
- How did this project to cycle across France come about, and why did you choose these two associations in particular?
“I have always dreamed of discovering France and learning more about its regional cultures. The idea of a Tour de France had been maturing in my mind for a long time, and my passion for cycling allowed me to combine these two interests into a project that perfectly reflects my personality. Having always been involved in community work, it was natural for me to undertake this journey for causes that are close to my heart. This makes it both a deeply personal and authentic adventure.
The choice of the two associations was obvious. My family has been severely affected in recent years by cases of leukemia, the disease that took my grandmother’s life in 2020. Through this project, I wanted to pay tribute to her and raise awareness about this cause. Supporting the Laurette Fugain charity was therefore a natural choice. I am also deeply committed to the mission of Le Bleuet de France: to honor the memory of our ancestors who fought for our freedom. In my view, this is a duty that our society unfortunately tends to forget.”
- After three months on the road, what are your strongest memories of this human and solidarity-based adventure?
“With 55 stages and just as many hosts, I will have a multitude of memories that will remain etched in my mind forever. What struck me the most, without a doubt, was the welcome I received everywhere I went. Not only from my hosts, of course, but also from the firefighters in Embrun, the Rotary Club in Barcelonnette, the town hall in Lure, the rugby clubs in Fougères, Lunéville and Sainte-Menehould, the associations for the preservation of local memory in the Grand Est region, and the festival committees in Neufchâtel, Anizy and La Grave. Each stage was an achievement: the physical effort was rewarded by the smiles and generosity of those who welcomed me.
Thomas was welcomed by numerous fire stations, such as here in Lunéville.
I cannot thank enough all the people who made this adventure possible. More than just a trip, it showed me that solidarity and memory are alive and well throughout France.”
The Vesoul, Lure, and Belfort rugby teams competed in a tournament organized during Thomas’s visit to Lure on June 24, with proceeds going to both associations.
- What connection do you see between your education at Mines Paris – PSL and your involvement in this socially responsible and eco-friendly project?
“I want to send a clear message: we, as Mines engineers, can and must be committed engineers. Society needs our expertise and our voice to champion essential causes: environmentalism, of course, but also other forms of commitment, including remembrance and the fight against disease.
I now want to link this cycling project to my studies at school. At the start of the next academic year, I will bring together a few students to highlight the memory of former Mines Paris students who were deported or were members of the Resistance during World War II. This project will mark the continuation of my commitment and, I hope, raise awareness among my classmates of the need for each of us to get involved as Mines engineers.”
Thomas upon his arrival in Paris, at Les Invalides, on August 16, 2025
