There's nothing quite like the freedom of a van for adventure, without a fixed itinerary, at the pace of the landscapes. Today, we give the floor to Maxime, 34, a road trip and vanlife enthusiast for 5 years. He tells us what drove him to live on the road — and why he couldn't do without it anymore.
"The first trip completely blew me away"
"It all started in the summer of 2020. I needed to escape, to break away from the grind. I rented a small camper van and headed to the Alps, without much of a plan... And then, a revelation. Waking up to a lake view, cooking outside, randomly following roads — it was exactly what I needed."
Since that first trip, Maxime has traveled through France, Spain, Scotland, and even parts of Norway. Always in a van, always at his own pace.
"We live with little, but we live better"
"Living in a van means getting back to basics. You take your time, you learn to manage water, electricity, you cook simply... And above all, you live outdoors. Luxury isn't the size of the space, it's the freedom to change scenery every day."
For Maxime, vanlife isn't just a mode of transport, it's a way of life. Every departure is a new adventure, every stop a small ephemeral home.
His favorite spots
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The Cévennes: for winding roads and hidden swimming spots
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The west coast of Portugal: for sunsets and waves
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The Scottish Highlands: for the mystical atmosphere and wild camping
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The Norwegian fjords: "incredible, you feel like you're alone in the world"
His tips for getting started
"You don't need a super-equipped van. A good mattress, a stove, a cooler, and you're good to go! The most important thing is the desire to explore."
Maxime also recommends respecting nature, always checking local parking rules, and adopting a flexible mindset: the best memories are often the unplanned ones.
Want to try the experience?
Vanlife is attracting more and more travelers seeking freedom, simplicity, and connection with nature. If, like Maxime, you feel the call of the road...
👉 Discover our selection of outdoor equipment on baroudeurcamp.com: solar showers, compact mattresses, nomadic kitchen kits... Everything to make every stop feel like home.