Five years after your trip between Dijon and Beijing by bike, you set off on an adventure again on the 1is December. For what ?
“I thirst for curiosity, nature and encounters […]. Cycling trips built me. I grew up in the countryside, and when I was little, I didn't think that traveling was within my reach. When I started doing it at 28, it opened me up to the world. I discovered who I was and what I wanted to become. I want to continue this momentum and continue meeting people. »
This time, you are going to discover the countries of the Maghreb. How was your project built?
“I really wanted to discover Morocco by bike. It’s a destination that has always attracted me because, as a child, I read a book – The Storyteller of Marrakech – which had a big impact on me. Thanks to him, I discovered a culture and a country; This is the first time I have traveled. I thought it was great that children's literature led, thirty years later, to an ambitious project (smile). »
You also plan to go through Algeria and Tunisia…
“Yes, I was contacted on Instagram by Eya, a young Tunisian teenager who lives in Sfax. She had followed my trip between Dijon and Beijing, and it made her want to cycle. She told me that, if one day I visited her country, I should come see her and we should cycle together. I had already planned to cross Morocco, I told myself that this was the opportunity to push on to Tunisia to see it. »
Your objective is to get to the town of Tataouine. For what ?
“Yes, I’m going to Tataouine (laughs). It's a nod to my grandfather who often used the name of this town to refer to a distant place. When I was little, I thought it was just an expression, it made me laugh. Later, when I discovered that Tataouine was really a town, it made me want to visit it. It is a place full of history which served as the setting for the saga Star Wars and which also bears traces of colonial history. »
Under what conditions will you travel?
“I want to do things at my own pace. I'm giving myself between four and six months to complete my journey. I know the countries and cities I will pass through, but I give myself the freedom to adapt my itinerary according to my desires. I didn't prepare my nights. It will either be wild camping, youth hostels, or sleeping with locals. For me, this is the ideal formula. I like not knowing what awaits me. This allows me to keep an open mind. »
Will you share your journey on social media?
“Yes, I will share the story of my trip on my Instagram account (@directionlhorizon). In a context where distrust towards the Maghreb is growing, this trip is an opportunity to show that meeting and exchange are possible and above all essential to go further. For my part, I am very optimistic about humans. I am aware of the danger and the negative things that can happen, but I also know that everywhere you go there are great people. I will try to show what I experience as transparently as possible. »
What state of mind are you in one month before the big departure?
“I’m zen. I still have a lot to do: renew my passport, close my budget. But despite everything, there is joy, because I know that I will travel according to my rules. These last few years have been complicated (Aurélie fought cancer, editor's note) and what is important for me is to be happy every day and not to do things under duress. That's why I don't put pressure on myself. If there is a moment when I feel tired or insecure, I don't stop myself from stopping the trip. There is no failure. I will do what I can. »
France
Cycling
