A cross continental journey in 2019 became a powerful tribute to resilience when Fiona Loriol set off across Europe with her 100 year old grandmother and her parents in a campervan. Reflecting a mission larger than travel itself, the family covered more than 15000 km to draw attention to the isolation and social invisibility often experienced by elderly people.
A shocking phone call in 2017 had first changed everything for Fiona, who learned that her grandmother’s health had deteriorated so severely that doctors expected she had only days left. Taking her home so she would not die alone, Fiona witnessed a remarkable turnaround as her grandmother recovered completely within 6 months.
A bold new plan soon followed, leading them to begin a campervan adventure through southern Europe, with Fiona’s parents driving behind in a second vehicle. Energized by the experience, the grandmother went on to live 3 more spirited years full of unexpected achievements.
A particularly memorable chapter of their journey unfolded in Spain, where grandmother and granddaughter walked 455 km along the Camino de Santiago. Andalusia brought more joyful surprises, as the grandmother sang with street performers and later attended her first music concert near San Sebastián at the age of 102.
A travel diary chronicling their story was written by Fiona after her grandmother’s death in 2020, fulfilling her final wish. A film adaptation is now expected to bring their adventure to a wider audience before the end of the year.
A new chapter began on July 1st 2025, when Fiona and her parents set out once again, this time on a yearlong campervan tour around France that will conclude in June 2026. Aiming to confront age based discrimination and damaging stereotypes, they meet citizens, local groups and organizations to promote a healthier outlook on aging.
A planned series of visits to the Senate, the National Assembly and several ministries will round off the journey, supporting positive national conversations about the challenges and rights of older people
