A vol de vélo : De Paris à Vienne

A daring pair of Parisian cyclists set out in the spring of 1894 to pedal all the way to Vienna, determined to turn their love of speed into a record‑breaking adventure. From the moment they decide to leave on April 23, the narrative follows their meticulous preparations—especially the tangled web of border formalities that threaten to stall their progress before they even leave French soil. The author’s witty recounting of diplomatic letters and courteous embassy encounters reveals a world where bureaucracy and courtesy collide, hinting at the hurdles that lie ahead.

As the riders cross into the rain‑soaked Bavarian mountains, the story captures the raw excitement of early long‑distance cycling, complete with unpredictable weather and the camaraderie that fuels their resolve. Their clever negotiations with German and Austro‑Hungarian officials promise smoother passages, yet the lingering uncertainty of customs inspections keeps the tension alive. Listeners will feel the rhythm of the road and the era’s spirit of daring exploration, eager to see how the journey unfolds.