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IN BRIEF
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At the heart of the human adventure, a family from Landes has decided to set sail and travel through more than 25 countries while committing to social causes through sports. From May 2023 to July 2024, Florent, Julia, and their twins Victor and Simon turned their dream into reality, blending cultural discoveries with humanitarian actions. Their journey, rich in lessons and emotions, has been a true testament to human kindness, illuminated by unforgettable encounters.
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An audacious family project #
The decision to leave everything behind to explore the world is no small feat. Originally from Pontonx-sur-l’Adour, near Dax, the Ferradou family took this bold initiative to escape daily routine. Florent, a former director of the Landes Football District, felt the need for professional and personal renewal. He then proposed to Julia and the children to open a different chapter of their lives by embarking on an adventure.
Onboard their camper van, affectionately named Basile, they traveled over 40,000 kilometers around the world. Each family member contributed their perspective to this odyssey, making this journey a collective project, deeply rooted in values of sharing and mutual aid.
Solidarity actions at the heart of the adventure #
The core of their journey was anchored in a solidarity commitment through the creation of the Coachs sans frontières association. Florent, as a sports educator, has always believed in the power of sport to bring people together and transform lives. Due to his past experience in Benin, where he set up a football field for young people, he wanted to develop similar initiatives during their stops.
In total, the family participated in four humanitarian missions, each lasting between fifteen and twenty days. These missions took place in rural areas, where they facilitated access to playing football through organizing training sessions and setting up fields. The destinations were carefully chosen, ranging from a summer in Mongolia to enriching stays in Laos and Armenia.
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Testimonies of remarkable encounters #
During their trip, a significant event occurred during their mission in Armenia. Near a conflict zone, the Ferradou family witnessed the palpable anxiety of the locals. Despite this worrying context, the family learned that their approach was crucial to bringing a bit of lightness and comfort to the children, distracting them from the images of war they saw on the news.
Their mission in Laos also left indelible marks in their memory, particularly that of a village accessible only by waterway. Each encounter reinforced their belief in the kindness that animates humanity, providing them with lessons in humility transformed into precious memories.
Unexpected and magical moments #
Along the path of their adventure, the family accumulated a myriad of unusual memories. Among them, the strange taste of aïrag, a fermented mare’s milk, tasted in a yurt in Mongolia, and the shocking surprise of seeing bears approaching their camper van in Turkey. The joy of living these moments of wild happiness added a magical dimension to their journey.
Another memorable event was the traditional Baci ceremony in Laos. This beautiful custom allowed the family to forge bonds with the locals as all the village children and their parents tied bracelets on them, symbolizing a deep connection with the local culture.
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Universal teachings #
The Ferradou family took away a strong message from this experience: despite cultural differences, human beings are intrinsically kind. Each interaction, each gesture of solidarity taught them the importance of generosity and sharing. Their many encounters opened their hearts and broadened their perspectives on the world around them.
Looking to the future, Florent and Julia are aware that even after such a journey, there is still so much to discover. The idea of new adventures already excites them, and the planet is full of treasures to explore. This trip was not just an escape, but a genuine catalyst for change, both for them and for those they met along the way.
