Third in our series of Quests & Adventures with remarkable women shaping water and wellness culture, we spoke with Cleo Cameleo—content creator, vlogger, and adventure seeker—about her journey through surf, running, and storytelling.
Cleo’s captivating lifestyle bridges the urban buzz of Paris with the tranquil rhythm of Hossegor, where ocean waves inspire patience and creativity. In this insightful Q&A, she shares lessons learned from balancing spontaneity and structure, tips for staying grounded while traveling, and the inspirations behind her beautifully cinematic vlogs.
Paris and Hossegor are such different vibes. How do you balance the energy of both in your lifestyle?
I’m a born and raised Parisian so this city has always run through my veins. I love how everything’s fast, the cultural diversity, the green spaces and the Seine docks blending perfectly with the breathtaking architecture. There’s always a new restaurant opening, a music event happening… you can never get bored! But of course, that constant buzz can also be exhausting.
Hossegor, on the other hand, is the quite literal definition of slow living. Between surf sessions, bike rides, pilates classes, cocktails on the beach for sunset in summer, cold beers in the center in low season… You’re closer to nature - you can ski for a day, hike the next, run through the pine forests, and surf whenever the conditions are good (and trust me, there’s always something to ride).
I love that both places bring me peace and excitement in their own way. That’s why I go back and forth as much as I can. My heart wouldn’t feel whole if I had to choose just one city, so I don’t!
Traveling seems to be a huge part of your world. What’s your go-to mantra for staying grounded while constantly on the move?
I’m a very flexible person in many ways, but I still need some structure to stay grounded. My calendar is full of colours and details - without it, I wouldn’t survive to be honest. Having a plan, even if it's just a rough outline, helps me feel more in control, no matter where I am.
At the same time, I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability of travel. I don’t always have a strict routine, but I try to find familiarity in small things - grabbing a coffee and walking around a new place, squeezing in a quick workout, or just taking a moment to breathe and absorb my surroundings. Even in constant motion, these moments help me feel present and connected.
On a more emotional level, staying in touch with my loved ones keeps me connected to my roots, and taking solo moments for myself helps me reset. It’s easy to get caught up in the constant movement, but for me, staying grounded means creating balance - between planning and spontaneity, between high and low moments.
You’re known for blending surf and running culture into your content. What inspired that intersection and what’s the connection between the two?
I was introduced to surf culture at a young age since I’ve been going to my grandparents’ house on the coast of Brittany, France, ever since I was a baby. The west coast of France is known for surfing, but in the north, the village I visit is close to one of the most famous spots there. That’s where I first became fascinated by the sport, the lifestyle, and the whole energy around it.
The older I got, the more opportunities I’d seek to be in the ocean and the past two years, I have been taking the practice more seriously and I’m finally seeing proper results which I’m so grateful for. As for running, it came into my life much later, at a time when I was looking for a healthier, more active lifestyle. It’s the most accessible sport—you can do it anywhere, in any weather, and the progress is easy to track. Feeling myself get stronger and faster became a huge motivator, and sharing that journey online ended up inspiring thousands.
Surfing, on the other hand, is one of the most frustrating sports out there. It’s not just about your own progress - it depends on the ocean, the conditions, and whether nature decides to cooperate with you that day. The learning curve is not as smooth but that’s also what makes it so special. You can’t control it, you have to align with it, but when everything comes together, the feeling is unbeatable.
Blending the two in my content happened naturally because they both shape my lifestyle. Whether I’m chasing a good surf session or a new running goal, it’s always about movement, feeling good in my body, and finding a balance between challenge and pleasure.
As a vlogger, what’s been your most memorable “pinch me” travel moment?
As a fellow surf lover, every time I get to travel the world thanks to my job, it feels like a ‘pinch me’ moment. I’m so grateful to 12-year-old Cleo for deciding to post her vlogs on YouTube - it all started there. Now, I get to be my own boss and choose when and where I want to go, which still feels surreal.
One of my most unforgettable moments was when I got invited to spend a week in Sri
Lanka to surf and discover Ahangama, all thanks to what I do and create on the Internet. Also, not later than yesterday, I was surfing in Lombok practicing cross-stepping with the most beautiful sunset, and feeling so grateful for how far this journey has taken me.
It truly reminds me how lucky I am to turn my passion into a career and how much I owe to that younger version of myself who just went for it.
What’s your favorite post-surf ritual?
It really depends on where I’m surfing and what season or time of the day it is :) If I’m surfing in Hossegor in summer, I’ll either go hang out with some friends or just rest at the beach, read a book, tan for a bit before getting back home and continue with my day. If I’m in the tropics, I’ll usually just kick back, take in the scenery, maybe have some fresh fruit or a cold drink.
No matter where I am though, there’s always that moment of just sitting with salty skin, feeling grateful, and already thinking about the next session.
From Parisian chic to beachy bohemian. How does your style adapt to the different places you call home?
If I could wear my bohemian fits all year long, trust me, I would! Unfortunately, Paris is not exactly made for that, at least half of the year, so I adapt. I try to implement bohemian inspirations whenever I can but I usually end up wearing comfy skater vibe fits. Surfer style in spring and summer and skater style in autumn and winter event though I don’t skate anymore… I guess my style shifts with the seasons, but I always stay true to what makes me feel good and confident ! That said, I also love dressing very femininely, and sometimes, slipping into an elegant fit, like a nice dress or tailored pieces, feels like the perfect way to change things up.
What’s one unexpected lesson the ocean has taught you about content creation?
The ocean has taught me a lot, but one of the biggest lessons is patience. Some days, the waves are perfect, and everything just clicks - like when content comes together so naturally and feels spot on. Other days it’s a total struggle, no matter how much you push.
But here’s the thing, just like in the water, consistency is everything. You learn to adapt, wait for the right moment, and just keep showing up. That’s when the magic happens… because when you keep at it, it always pays off!
Your vlogs are beautifully cinematic. How do you capture the feeling of a place and not just the visuals?
Thank you! I see beauty in the smallest things, so I try to capture whatever catches my eye - the way light hits, people interact, how colours come together… Throughout the day, I collect as many B-roll clips as I can and later sync them with music that really captures the vibe of the moment, adding rhythm to the visuals.
Music plays a huge role in setting the tone of my vlogs. After filmmaking and sports, music is my lifelong passion. Honestly, I couldn't imagine life without it, so it has a very special place in my heart and in my work.
It’s about paying attention to the details and using tools to bring everything to life. I want my audience to feel like they’re a part of the journey, not just watching from the outside.
With your travels spanning the globe, where’s one destination that’s still calling your name?
Philippines, OH MY GOD! It’s been on my mind for months, and I think it might finally become a reality next year. My boyfriend and I are planning to escape France’s winter and spend at least a month there to catch the waves we truly deserve, haha! I've heard nothing but amazing things about the place, especially Siargao. If you’ve got any recommendations, I'm all ears!
For someone just stepping into a lifestyle like yours, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give them?
Always trust your intuition. If your guts try to send you a message, listen. Stay true to yourself no matter what and try to live in the moment. I know this can sound cliché, but honestly, the best experiences and opportunities arise when you’re fully present and aligned with what feels right for you.
Don’t forget to try new things and put your ego aside. The more you dare, the most fun you’ll have in my opinion. Finally, never let limiting beliefs stop you from doing what you truly want. DARE and ENJOY! After all, we only live once, right?
What’s your favorite WALLIEN piece and why?
My favorite WALLIEN piece would definitely be the Nikki van Dijk Springsuit Wetsuit in Moon. Not only its is super comfortable and flexible, but it also makes me feel secure, confident, sexy. You know what they say… look good, feel good, surf good! That’s exactly how I want to feel when I’m the ocean, and this surfsuit delivers. I’ve been wearing it so much during my Lombok trip and I couldn't be more than satisfied.
