Les Roses du Sud: Pedaling for Life, United Against Breast Cancer

From September 28 to October 4, 2025, twenty-two women will embark on a unique adventure: 250 kilometers by bicycle, from Cavaillon to Sète, passing through iconic landscapes such as Avignon, Pont du Gard, Arles, Aigues-Mortes, and Palavas-les-Flots.

The initiative, named “Les Roses du Sud — pédalons ensemble contre le cancer du sein!”, blends sport and solidarity with a powerful message: to restore confidence and strength to women affected by breast cancer.

The inspiration behind the project

Hélène Girardin-Josquin, physiotherapist and president of the event, recalls the origin of the idea: in 2022, a documentary about the Savoyard initiative “À la mer à vélo”, promoted by the association 4S to support women with female cancers, sparked inspiration.
“I wanted to create a similar project in Southern France, with the support of Réseau SAGE, offering a path to care and rebirth,” explains Girardin-Josquin.

The goal is clear: to get patients and survivors back in the saddle, restoring confidence in their bodies and in the future.

The power of solidarity

The project was made possible thanks to a budget of €36,720, covering accommodation, meals, transport, bicycle rental, equipment, support staff, communication, medical support, and insurance.

Among the key partners is Crédit Mutuel d’Avignon Saint-Roch, chaired by Jean-Pierre Lenzi and directed by Mathieu Bonnet. Girardin-Josquin notes:
“Their generosity and responsiveness were crucial in making this dream come true.”

The route: stages and events

Departure is scheduled for Sunday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m., from Place de la Mairie in Cavaillon.
The itinerary includes:

• September 28: Cavaillon → Avignon — 35 km

• September 29: Avignon → Pont du Gard — 43 km

• September 30: Pont du Gard → Arles — 47 km

• October 1: Arles → Aigues-Mortes — 40 km

• October 2: Aigues-Mortes → Palavas-les-Flots — 45 km

• October 3: Palavas-les-Flots → Sète — 40 km

• October 4: Bus return to Avignon and closing day with public events

The final day includes a vibrant program: a bicycle departure from Avignon Centre Station to the Avignon Nautical Center, a parade along the Rhône with Dragon Boats, a flash mob at Place de l’Horloge, association stands, and moments of community gathering.

A message of hope

“Regaining trust in one’s body means regaining boldness in one’s life” — this is the heart of Les Roses du Sud.
Sport, solidarity, and sharing come together to form not just an event, but a journey of rebirth.

The entire initiative will be captured in a 26-minute documentary, telling the personal stories and collective impact of the project.

How to follow and support

To follow the journey, discover participants’ stories, and support the initiative, visit the dedicated Facebook and Instagram pages.