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vanlife

A collection of 13 posts

Exploring the famous Calanque de Marseille

Exploring the famous Calanque de Marseille

Of the well known climbing areas of France the Calanque on the mediterranean coast might be the most bucketlistly for intermediate climbers. And why not with the promise of great limestone climbing right above the sea and perfect weather almost year round. However there are a few catches…

Independence on the Road: My Experience with REDODO Batteries

Tips and tricks

Independence on the Road: My Experience with REDODO Batteries

As a climber and passionate vanlifer, freedom is everything to me. Every day is an opportunity to scale a new peak or camp out in a remote spot - but all of this only works if I can stay self-sufficient in my van.

Ariège: A somewhat hidden gem in the French Pyrenees

Ariège: A somewhat hidden gem in the French Pyrenees

Having already spent quite some time in the Spanish Pyrenees and other parts of the French side of this range, our travels brought us into the Ariége valley for about a week in the late summer. What we found was a climbers and cyclist paradise that at least we did not have on top of our list.

A perfect slice of Spain

A perfect slice of Spain

Picturesque sun baked houses on a backdrop of beautiful steep mountains combined with the possibility to take deep dives into the culture and history of the „real“ Spain. That what awaits!

The Southern France Ramble

The Southern France Ramble

What was planned as a quick drive-by meetup between Martin, Brigitte and I on our respective ways north and south in France turned into a almost weeklong raid through the climbing areas and backroads of Cevennes and Ventoux regions.

Benasque and the Aneto - The heart of the Pyrenees

Benasque and the Aneto - The heart of the Pyrenees

This chapter of our ongoing exploration of the Iberian peninsula brought us into the central Pyrenees and the very heart of this range, the Benasque valley under the mighty Aneto.

Into the heart of the Picos de Europa

Into the heart of the Picos de Europa

Most people associate the name Picos de Europa with a very specific part of these mountains: The central massif including the Picu Urriellu or Naranjo de Bulnes. Our van trip brought us into this heart of the Picos as well and we fell in love with the rugged landscape.

Agüero - Not just Riglos light!

Agüero - Not just Riglos light!

The 300 meter towers of Riglos are both visible from kilometers away and very well known by fans of multi pitch climbing in Spain and beyond. However just a village over there is Agüero with its own Mallos that are just that bit smaller and less intimidating - but as beautiful and unique.

Maraña - An outdoor enthusiasts dream playground

Maraña - An outdoor enthusiasts dream playground

Our van based exploration of the regions of northern Spain brought us into the mountains of León and to the small village of Maraña. Sitting in a beautiful pastoral valley right at the foot of the Mampodre mountains, this place is a gem for hikers, climbers and anyone looking to get away from it.

Scaling the Pico Gilbo from Riaño

Scaling the Pico Gilbo from Riaño

The mountain panorama around the Riaño reservoir is stunning. But even among the many peaks here Pico Gilbo stands out. An almost perfect Toblerone pyramid that looks both inviting and foreboding. Its hard to see where an easy way might lead up - however there is one.

In the shadow of Monviso

In the shadow of Monviso

Our travels through this part of the Alps brought us over to Italy and the source valley of the river Po to continue our eclectic mix of outdoor activities.

Exploring the Vallée de Vésubie

Exploring the Vallée de Vésubie

Like its cousin the Roya valley over the mountains to the east the Valley of the Vesubie river has much to offer to the outdoor orientated visitor. Tons of peaks, curious wildlife and twisty mountain roads provide more than enough to do!

Outdoor sports and other adventures in La Brigue

Outdoor sports and other adventures in La Brigue

The valley has been hit hard by the storm Alex in 2020 and it still shows. However this means that the area is quiet and the many outdoorsy activities you can do here are not crowded at all. And all of the alpine beauty is still there!