Paul de Vivie (1853–1930), known as Vélocio, helped shape French cycle touring. Born in Provence and based in Saint-Étienne, he combined the interests of an enthusiastic rider, technical advocate and journalist.
By 1887, a cycling community was gathering around his magazine Le Cycliste. It gave travellers a way to exchange experiences before a national cycle-touring federation existed. He also encouraged Saint-Étienne’s industrialists to manufacture bicycles.
The photograph shows Vélocio at Longchamp in 1929. His philosophy valued enjoyment and riding within one’s abilities.
From 1924, he invited readers to meet at Les Baux-de-Provence at Easter. After his death, the gathering continued as a memorial tradition. His legacy is a reminder that cycle touring grows through people, shared rides and exchanged experiences.