Meet the French brothers who are driving through India in a vintage car

Earlier this week, Mysureans were taken by surprise when they spotted a quaint old car being driven across the city streets. What piqued their interest even more was that it was not an Indian model, and it had two young Caucasians in the front seats. The car, as it turns out, is a 1971 model Citroen 2cv, a popular yesteryear French car, and driving it through town were two young Frenchmen, 25-year-old Clement Hazebrouck and his 24-year-old brother, Maximillien.
“We set out in July last year, on our first-ever inter-continental road trip. The drive is for the benefit of an association caring for orphans, but also because of our desire for adventure. We started from France, through Nordkapp, Russia, Mongolia, China, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and are now in India. So far, we have covered close to 50,000 kilometres, of which 8,100 kilometres were in India. In fact, we are looking at covering another 10,000 kilometres in the country, before we set out on our way back,” says Clement, who is a builder by profession.
“The idea was to take a car and head out to the East in it and come back through another route. Driving is the best way to see different cultures, landscapes and understand people better. We didn’t want to get on a plane and arrive in a new world. By taking to the road, we have seen changes in nature, people, houses and so much more. It has been quite an experience,” says Clement, adding that they also wanted people to see just how strong their little car still is.
In the run-up to the trip, Clement and Maximilien spent a few months preparing the car for this long journey, fixing it with newer parts. “We set out on this journey on a small budget. The target was to do 250 kilometres in a day, after which we would find a place to set up camp. We travel with a tent to sleep in. Along the way, though, we met many good people who provided us accommodation,” says Clement.
In India for the first time, the duo has been soaking in the sights of the country. “We loved the beaches and mountains we have seen so far. Munnar, for instance, was very interesting. We really felt the difference in climate; in the north, it was cold and here in the south, it is hot. We have also been enjoying the food with all the spices. And while it is difficult to put to words our exact emotions about being in India, it has been the most peaceful. My only issue is that India is not very clean. The kindness of the people we have met is unimaginable. If you go by what is on television, it would seem that everything is wrong in the world right now. But when you go on a journey exploring different landscapes and cultures, you realise how nice people are with each other,” says Clement.
Is another trip is on the cards? “Of course, I am looking forward to doing another road trip, although our return right now looks problematic, given that several borders are closed because of the coronavirus scare. But when we return, it will be with a bigger budget and more time to explore India. Two months is too little a time to see a big country like this,” he says.
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