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Thursday, April 14, 2022, Échappées Belles hits newsstands in a brand new magazine format. Journalist Sophie Jovillard has agreed to answer questions from Femme Actuelle about this new project around travel, of which she is a part and which continues to fuel her passion.
Written byAlexandra Ayo BarroStay informed
TVFor more than 15 years, Echappées Belles has taken viewers around the world on a journey... from their couch. The show and its hosts make us discover the treasures of the planet by going on excursions themselves. This time, the cult show returns in a brand new magazine format, available on newsstands Thursday April 14, 2022. France Télévisions Distribution and Turbulences Presse have joined forces to create this invitation to travel, through landscape photos, practical guides and even some good addresses and events not to be missed. Sophie Jovillard, who has provided part of the presentation of the show since its inception, has agreed to answer questions from Current Woman about this new adventure. The globetrotter took the opportunity to indulge in her unconditional love of travel.
Current Woman: In this brand new issue of Echappées Belles, you take us on a journey to Jordan, Italy and Morocco. How were these destinations chosen?
Sophie Jovillard: The choice is very subjective. We wanted to have a prescribing role, to make people who will read us want to leave, to feed their curiosity to open up to others, to discover sometimes unusual and surprising journeys. Show them that they can go to rather well-known destinations like Morocco, but also encourage them to take steps aside. There will be other numbers, at least I hope so. So we'll go somewhere else. Of course, we cannot be exhaustive in a single issue. We wanted to allow people to pick up several ideas here and there. Whether on the show or in the magazine, people are encouraged to cross borders, their village, their region, their department and sometimes their country. That's what we tried to do with this magazine, to show that the world is beautiful and that France is beautiful.
The magazine is therefore back in paper format, with not only travel, but also practical guides and invitations to discover culinary cultures. What motivated this editorial choice?
S. J.: We wanted this magazine as a reflection of our show, even if in this one we focus on a destination that we explore for 1h30. In the paper magazine, we wanted to show different centers of interest and take up what makes up the DNA of our show. You will find good plans, discovery, but also practical tips. Gastronomy is also at the heart of discovery. It is often around a good dish that the most beautiful discussions take place. There is something universal about sharing a meal. The big novelty compared to the show is the portrait of Mike Horn. We don't do portraits of personalities on France 5. There I had carte blanche and I really wanted to meet people who could be sources of inspiration, and personalities who mark the world of travel and adventure. There is also a quiz at the end, about Namibia. During the confinement, we tried to stay in touch with our faithful friends from Échappées Belles and I was doing quizzes. It allowed to keep the link, so we wanted to bring this little note to the magazine.
"I grew up in the countryside, in a very small village in Beaujolais"
You are going to meet Mike Horn, one of the greatest explorers of this century. Tell us.
S. J.: There are so many people I would like to meet! We chose Mike Horn for his sympathy and availability. His plane was landing from I don't know where and we talked for an hour, about this and that. Travel, family, the importance of adventures in his life, his definition of adventure. During his last expedition, he was very scared. He was lost and thought he would leave his life there. I think it vaccinated him a bit and that he is now refocusing on things that are a little more cautious. Although he would be well able to go on crazy expeditions... He fascinates me. His adventures fascinate me. I had a little fun.
Since the gradual lifting of restrictions in different countries around the world, have you been able to make up for all those lost trips?
S. J.: During the first confinement, we were like everyone else. Locked in, we couldn't move. It was quite frustrating but, once again, I am privileged. I am lucky to be able to travel, which is not the case for everyone and I am well aware of it. We were able to start traveling again relatively early compared to the others. We made up for our delay by focusing on many French destinations. We were also able to go to Venice, there was no one there. It was crazy! I had discovered Venice several times, with the acqua alta, Venice during carnival, Venice on vacation. And there Venice just for us… When we broadcast the show there was a real effect, we were thanked for showing that. Our privilege, I hope that we give it back a little to people by offering them these programs and this magazine. If we do them good, it is our happiness and our satisfaction.
"I got stuck there. I thought I was going to stay there"
Where does this passion for travel come from?
S. J.: I grew up in the countryside, in a very small village in Beaujolais. My parents are from Bordeaux but settled there. With my three brothers and sisters, we grew up there. It was great, but quickly I wanted to widen the circle. I wanted to go to the big city, which was Lyon. I studied there, but it wasn't far enough. Little by little I wanted to go even further. I worked for France 3 in the regions, then for the Voyage channel and then 15 years ago I was offered to work on a travel program around the world. I told them that is exactly what I wanted to do. It happened like that. Each time I pushed the boundaries. The more we push, the more we want to see what is hidden behind the horizon. One destination leads to another and one dream chases another. When it's your job and you're allowed to do it... it's a gift! And since you have to be generous in life, I try to give it back to others by offering travel magazines and not just doing it for me. Otherwise I would do my notebooks in my corner. This passion, I have pegged it to the body from the beginning, I never tire of going all over the world and even around the corner.
Have you ever faced any problems in the field?
S. J.: It's pretty much under control because our production company allows us to prepare programs in advance. We know in advance who we are going to meet, even if we do not have the means to go scouting, because we are a small structure. Everything is done from our Paris office. We go to destinations that are accessible and the routes we take are secure. But despite the precautions, we take tuk tuks, buses, taxis, bicycles, our feet... and sometimes it can slip. Sometimes we have surprises, glitches. In Madagascar I had a big scare. I was canyoning in a very steep and isolated place. The guide had not correctly estimated the time of the crossing. So we arrived a bit late. We got stuck in the canyon and night fell. I got stuck there with the guide and his two children. I thought I was going to stay there. The team lost sight of me, they went back down into the valley without being able to find me, even with the drone. I managed to get out of it by climbing the mountain, with my fingertips. The villagers threw small lights at the bottom and came to pick me up. At that time, I said to myself that I am looking for pleasure, not risk-taking. I'm not Mike Horn (laughs)! I am not an adventurer.
"I'm going to be away for 48 hours, don't worry, I'm at the end of the mountain"
A few years ago, you revealed that you live in a Parisian apartment under the roof , which you call your “cabin”. Is this still the case?
S. J.: I still live there. This is my base in Paris. I am extremely lucky to have another one in Marseille. I am very Paris-Lyon-Marseille, since my family lives in the Lyon region. I walk between the two.
By the way, what do you do when you're not travelling?
S. J.: I also work for France 3 Occitanie. I try to collaborate on other mediums. So when I'm not filming… I'm filming. Otherwise, I ask myself (laughs). I usually spend my holidays in France. I also try to dedicate myself a little to myself and my loved ones, to take breaks between two shoots. Each shoot lasts about ten days, we have 10 to 12 a year. It's been about 120 days of filming for Échappées Belles. The rest of the year is taken up with other activities and time for oneself.
You who are always in a plane, a car, a bus, or a boat, how do you manage to combine this life of discovery with a personal life?
S. J.: It's a question of organization. It's in the package. Those around you need to understand that. When you travel a lot, you have to make time for yourself. When you come back from filming and dedicate yourself to something else, you have to do it fully. But it's more a matter of timing. Air hostesses and stewards surely do the same. We are 100% in everything we do, whether on set or at home. We keep the good memories in mind, but work must not eat away at personal time.
How do you keep in touch with your loved ones when you're on the road?
S. J.: With social networks, there are connections almost everywhere. We keep in touch almost permanently. When we go to destinations a little less well covered, without Wi-Fi or other, we warn. "I'm going to be away for 48 hours, don't worry, I'm at the bottom of the mountain". I was in Rwanda to admire the gorillas once. We looked for them for two days because they were in hiding. It's smart to say "I'm going to look for the gorillas in Rwanda" (laughs). My relatives are not worried.
Do you have any advice to give and favorite destinations for those who would like to discover the world (or France) on a small budget?
S. J.: I campaign for France, because we have an exceptional country. 49% of French people are aware that it is necessary to choose local destinations. It is therefore important to promote our country, to opt for responsible travel, and to limit mass tourism. Naturally, I will rather go to the south, towards Marseille, because I like this region. It will end up being a victim of its own success, but it is a big city with its feet in the water. The Calanques are exceptional. You have to be careful not to go there in high season so as not to damage the ecosystem. A small extended weekend in May, if we manage to accumulate RTT, that's very good. Watching what's happening near you can make for a super cheap weekend. In the Perche for example, which is a very beautiful destination, or in the Landes. I think you have to focus on nearby destinations, and give yourself the chance to go further when you can. But it is preparing, it may be the trip of a lifetime for some.
Also read: Need a new passport to travel? Beware of extended deadlines!
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