Hortense and Simon (On the Road Again)

Where are you from?

France

When did you start your interest in exploration?

8 years ago

What is a brief understanding of your background story up until you started seeking adventure?

Simon started his custom clothing business and I (Hortense) studied medicine.

What special skills do you have to help with your explorations?

Simon likes to tinker and is good at mechanics, and I'm the team doctor !

Where have you explored so far?

Many French regions, Bretagne, Corse, Nord, Jura...

What are the top three destinations you hope to explore next, and why?

We would love to explore Portugal, Scotland and Switzerland, as we've seen many pictures and heard many reports of road trips that make us want to.

Where would you recommend others visit?

The choice is difficult ! But if we had to recommend a particular destination we would choose Corsica. It was one of our favorite trips, the island of Beauty bears its name very well.

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

It is a van, a Renault Estafette from 1981. We have repainted it in sky blue, which is what gives it its identity. And we have installed a bed and storage space so that we can live in it during our adventures.

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What are five pieces of equipment you always travel with?

Our little dog Pablo (our faithful partner and great equipment to keep us warm in winter !), a flashlight, toilet paper, a mini barbecue and our folding chairs to admire the sunset.

What inspires you to explore more?

The feeling of freedom that it gives us. It's like a drug for us, we need to explore more and more, it makes us happy.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

This is important because it opens our minds and gives us new and enriching experiences.

What are your goals when you explore?

Our goals are to get out of this daily work routine, in the noise of the city. We want to be in nature, to live unforgettable life experiences, thanks to great meetings or beautiful hikes.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

The van broke down many times in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to meet helpful and understanding people, whom we will not forget.

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

One evening in Corsica, the two of us were admiring a splendid sunset, facing the sea, with a beer in hand, no noise around us. This moment was just perfect.

How has exploration changed you?

Our van trips have allowed us to be happy with the minimum necessary and to get back to the basics. Our motto written on the ceiling of our van: "Less comfort, more life".

What is the number one lesson that you have learnt through your exploration?

It doesn't take much to be happy!

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

For us, explmore means continuing to explore as long as we can, adventures bring us so much, we have to live them to the fullest.

What advice would you give to others who are seeking life changing adventure?

We advise them to let go, to let themselves live and to live day by day. And above all to enjoy the freedom that this brings.

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