Of Vincent Josse, we first know the voice. For years, he has been the host of “Grand atelier” on France Inter, on Sunday afternoons, and, for several months, of “La Ballade” on Saturday afternoons. Vincent Josse likes more than anything to listen to others, to take their portrait, live on the radio or more discreetly… on the 72 bus in Paris! He will be present at the Quiberon Book Festival on May 10 and 11. Encounter.
How did you come up with this idea of photographing people… on the bus?
I take bus 72 every morning between Alma Marceau and Radio France. Beautiful crossing along the Seine with unusual passengers. Often elderly ladies from the 8th and 16th arrondissements of Paris, elegant and wealthy. I started by publishing their stolen portrait on Facebook and then I wanted to ask writers to choose an image and invent a story. People then became characters.
And it became a book…
Yes, it was born from this meeting between image and fiction and Fabienne Pavia, editor at Bec en l’air, suggested I make a book about it. Luckily, it sold well, which made me very happy.
Do you seem attached to the Quiberon Peninsula?
I discovered Quiberon in 1995. I fell in love with it so much that I bought a house in Le Manemeur in 2020. Quiberon for me is a refuge. Far from the hustle and bustle of Paris, near the ocean, a stone’s throw from the bay, I find a tranquility that is invigorating. Walks, cycling, cinema and already very good friends. I admit to being very lucky.
Practical
“Le Bus 72”, book of photographs by Vincent Josse, accompanied by texts by ten authors. Éditions du Bec en l’air, 2023. Vincent Josse will be present at the Quiberon Book Festival on May 10 and 11. FREE ENTRANCE. Louison-Bobet space.
