CONSTELLATION is the name of my first expedition.
A 20,799-kilometer journey, following a continuous route from the South of France to the Canadian border, divided into three distinct stages, each inspired by a constellation and a different discipline, all accomplished solely through wind and human power.
THE EXPEDITION
It was at the foot of the cliffs of Cape Finisterre (Spain) that the wild idea of crossing the Atlantic by sail was born, after a nearly 3,000 km journey on foot along the legendary Camino de Santiago. The path took me from my home in Switzerland, through France and Spain and along the Portuguese coast to Porto. From this "end of the world", it seemed only natural that I would continue my journey westward and set the course for my expedition.
I eventually departed from Port St-Louis du Rhône, near Marseille (France) and sailed to Barcelona, Alicante, Gibraltar, Lanzarote, the Cape Verde Islands and Martinique, before heading up the Caribbean islands to Florida, where I completed the first leg of the expedition: Argo. I then swapped my vessel for a bicycle, setting off to conquer the next stretch of my westward route, crossing nine states in the American South, from coast to coast, from the Atlantic Ocean to the beaches of San Diego in California. There, the second part of my journey, Sagitta, came to a close at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
The final leg of the expedition, Orion, was undertaken on foot. For over four months, I ventured deep into the wild nature of the American West, along the famous Pacific Crest Trail. This trail, a rite of passage for thru-hikers, stretches from the Mexican border to Canada. From the arid deserts of Southern California to the snow-capped peaks of the High Sierra, home to Mount Whitney (4,418m), the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. Through the dense forests of Northern California, marked by the frequent fires, to the iconic volcanoes of Oregon and Washington, I spent 133 days immersed in a pristine and untamed landscape, far from any human settlement, until I finally reached what sometimes seems like a mirage: the Northern Terminus near Manning Park, in British Columbia.
295 days of effort, perseverance and courage to complete this unique adventure, which came to an end on September 20, 2024. But this is just another beginning. While this journey has reached its conclusion, the spirit of adventure is very much alive. There are still countless paths to explore, many more challenges to face and as always, new horizons to reach.
Stay tuned for what lies ahead—this is just another beginning...
FOUNDATIONS
BEING
Understanding who I am, reconnecting with myself, rediscovering the child within, embracing simplicity, being in touch with wild nature, the unknown, distant lands, silence, others, monotony and infinity. Being happy!
CHALLENGE
Expanding my comfort zone, my sense of home. Gaining a deeper understanding of my limits, my strengths and my weaknesses. Moving toward what scares me.
SHARING
Making other stars shine besides my own, exchanging, growing, helping and loving. Giving a platform to those and to groups who share the same values to support me. Inspiring the community. Sharing my experiences.
CONTINUITY
Giving momentum to my life and future projects. Finding some answers—and some questions as well.
JOURNEY
START
December 1, 2023
Port St-Louis du Rhône (France)
IN A FEW NUMBERS
20'799 kilometers - 12,924 miles
295 days
1 transatlantic
3 continents
10 countries
11 states of the USA
15 islands
FINISH
September 20, 2024
Manning Park (Canada)
TRIATHLON
This expedition took place in 3 stages. Each one was named after a constellation and was completed using a unique mode of transport.
ARGO - Transatlantic
A crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by sail.
SAGITTA - Southern Tier
A journey across the United States from east to west by bike.
ORION - Pacific Crest Trail
A traverse of the United States from the Mexican border to Canada.
ARGO
ARGO is the name of a vast and ancient constellation in the southern sky. It represents a ship.
In terms of distance, it was the longest of the three stages: 6,033 nautical miles or 11,173 kilometers! It took me 97 days to reach the other side. Ideally, I had planned to start this transatlantic crossing in Spain, at Fisterra, the very place where I had ended my westward journey during my pilgrimage to Santiago. However, I ultimately departed from Port St-Louis du Rhône, in the south of France, and made my way to Florida.
SAGITTA
SAGITTA is the name of the third smallest constellation in the sky. Located in the northern hemisphere, it represents an arrow.
Nine states, 5,185 kilometers (3,219 miles) and 24,657 meters (80,946 feet) of elevation gain. A relatively "flat" route by bike, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, from Miami to San Diego. A journey I completed in 48 days.
ORION
ORION is a constellation located almost on the equator. It represents the hunter. It is my favorite constellation.
In terms of distance, it was the shortest of the three stages, but the longest in duration. Three states, 4,441 kilometers (2,764 miles) and 138,823 meters (455,395 feet) of elevation gain. I spent 133 days completing the legendary Pacific Crest Trail, a rugged and majestic long-distance hiking route. Deserts, mountains (often over 3,000 meters), forests and famous national parks.
I had long considered a second option, the Continental Divide Trail. Less well-known, wilder and slightly longer, it had the advantage of being located further east, making it an intriguing alternative if I had not been able to secure a permit for the PCT.
ZERO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION
This expedition is driven by a desire to travel differently. After countless flights around the world, I now aim to minimize my environmental impact as much as possible. For this adventure, no fossil fuels will be used for transportation—only the power of wind and human effort will carry me forward.
NEW HORIZONS TO EXPLORE
The Constellation expedition was just the beginning. After months of crossing diverse and unexpected landscapes, the adventure is far from over. Whether it’s through wild territories, forgotten roads or unexplored horizons, new stories are waiting to be told.
If this journey inspired you, if you’re eager to follow the next chapters of this quest, stay connected. New explorations are in the works, bolder and more enriching, ready to offer you unique experiences. Challenges, encounters and discoveries are on the horizon—and you won’t want to miss them.
Sign up for my Newsletter and be the first to hear about the next steps of the Constellation expedition. The adventure has never been so full of meaning. Together, let’s meet the world and the stories it has to offer.
SUPPORT MY NEXT ADVENTURE
Support my upcoming adventure and help replant trees in my hometown, La Chaux-de-Fonds!
I’m donating 30% of all funds to "Des arbres pour rêver demain", which is replanting trees in my hometown after the July 2023 storm. Your support will help restore green spaces and fuel my journey.
Thank you for making a difference!
Partnership
