A 22-year-old French cyclist named Adrien, who had cycled across much of Europe without incident, experienced fear and shock during a stop in Menidi, Greece. Known for his solo bicycle travels, Adrien had set out on a seven-month journey spanning the continent — a trip that had gone smoothly until he reached Greece.
GPS Leads Him Into Trouble
While en route from Thebes to Athens, his GPS navigation directed him through the Agia Sotira Roma settlement in Menidi — a decision that quickly turned dangerous. Unaware of the area’s reputation, Adrien found himself surrounded by a group of individuals who attacked him and stole his personal belongings.
“Yesterday morning I was in Thebes and heading to Athens. My GPS led me into a Roma camp — I had no idea,” he told Star TV.
Robbery and Aftermath
According to Adrien, five or six people immediately encircled him, with three more approaching from behind. They snatched his backpack, which contained his mobile phone — leaving him stranded, disoriented, and without communication in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
A passerby helped him locate the Menidi Police Station, where he filed an official report. Officers documented his detailed descriptions of the suspects and accompanied him back to the Agia Sotira settlement to search for the perpetrators and recover the stolen items.
Despite the traumatic experience, Adrien continues his journey across Europe. Yet, as he moves forward, his brief, unsettling stop in Menidi is likely to remain one of the most unforgettable moments of his trip.