Septmenber - Van Life in Briançon – Climbing, Croissants, and Adventure

This summer, we took a van trip to Briançon, France, and it turned out to be one of the best climbing vacations ever. Perfect temperatures, incredible rock, and a laid-back atmosphere—everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

Climbing in Briançon – A Limestone Paradise

Briançon is one of the best places in France for summer climbing. With its high-altitude crags, you get perfect conditions even in the middle of summer. No unbearable heat, just fresh mountain air and endless limestone walls. We spent most of our days exploring different sectors, finding routes that suited our style—some technical face climbing, some pumpy overhangs, and even a few crack routes. The variety of rock and movement kept things fun, and every day brought new challenges.

One of the best parts? Climbing in the mornings and evenings while enjoying slow afternoons with coffee and pastries. Speaking of which…

French Bakeries – A Daily Ritual

No trip to France is complete without indulging in the local pastries. Every morning started with a visit to the nearest boulangerie, where we loaded up on fresh croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes. Nothing beats the feeling of sitting in the van with a hot coffee and a warm, buttery croissant before heading out for a day of climbing.

Ardèche – Kayaking and Climbing in Paradise

After an amazing time in Briançon, we decided to change things up and head to the Ardèche region. This place is famous for its stunning limestone gorges, deep blue rivers, and relaxed vibes.

We spent a day kayaking through the Ardèche gorge, paddling between massive cliffs, surrounded by crystal-clear water. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. After hours on the water, we naturally couldn’t resist checking out the local climbing areas. The rock in the Ardèche is just as good as in Briançon, with incredible limestone formations and routes ranging from technical slabs to powerful overhangs.

Cooling Off in the River

One of the best parts of climbing in Ardèche? Jumping straight into the river after a hard session. Climbing in the heat can be exhausting, but knowing that you can cool off in refreshing turquoise water right after sending a route makes it all worth it.

Final Thoughts – A Trip to Remember

This trip had everything—incredible climbing, breathtaking landscapes, perfect van life vibes, and, of course, amazing food. Briançon delivered some of the best summer climbing conditions, and Ardèche was the perfect way to mix adventure with relaxation.

Coming back from this trip, I feel recharged, motivated, and even more stoked to keep exploring new climbing destinations. One thing’s for sure—this won’t be my last climbing trip to France! 🚐🧗‍♂️🥐🔥

Some cave climbing!

Ardeche Kayak tour

Palying Outdoor Frisbee Golf in unusual terrain

Good old campfire