Céline Coubray: Are your holidays something you’ve planned for a long time, or something you’ve decided to do on the spur of the moment? And where are you going?
Alexis Juncosa: Like any blended family, it’s a fine balancing act that takes into account everyone’s needs. This year won’t be like the others. I’m used to going away in July and avoiding mass tourism, so I’m going to break my rule and take my children to discover the Gulf of Saint-Tropez in August--with some trepidation--but with the desire to help them discover places as beautiful as Ramatuelle and Grimaud.
How do you choose your destinations?
The first criterion is ‘no planes for leisure,’ due to ecological reasons. It’s a principle I've only departed from once in 12 years. That limits the perimeter. Secondly, I admit to a certain loyalty to France and certain regions, including the Cévennes and the Basque Country.
How many days do you consider a holiday to be beneficial?
In my experience, about ten. That’s when you start to put your professional concerns to one side and sleep better.
Is it difficult to switch off? Do you manage it? How do you do it?
That’s probably my big challenge for the next few years. Summer or not, there are always films to watch, and it’s rare that, wherever you are, you don’t come across someone who takes you back to work. That’s the typical problem with passion jobs.
What is your favourite holiday activity? A holiday ritual or habit?
Cycling. It has conditioned this summer’s destination. Hearing about a safe route through the Gulf, when thinking of cycling with children, was decisive.
What’s your best holiday memory?
A watering hole in a river in the Cévennes, with my family. A small village where, year after year, you make friends with the locals. I’m currently working on a film project there, for which I have high hopes.
Do you prefer an active or relaxing holiday?
Relaxing, without hesitation.
What’s your best tip for decompressing?
Vegetarian cooking, using only local produce.
What’s one thing you can’t do without on holiday?
My bike.
Do you follow the news during your holidays?
I always do. It’s a sickness.
How do you prepare your holiday budget?
My secret is reimbursement from my tax return.
Have your holidays inspired you to develop your business in a new way? If not, how do you use this time to be more efficient?
Work is never really far away. But if you want to be more efficient when you go back to work, you have to know how to switch off during the summer. It’s an arduous task.
Your worst anecdote, or a lesson learned on holiday?
Don’t take the A7 around 15 August.
What’s the first thing you usually do when you get back?
Cuddle with the cats back home.
Where in Luxembourg do you feel like you’re on holiday?
My balcony in Dommeldange. I have one of the most beautiful bird’s-eye views in the country. Three hundred sixty-five days with my breath taken away every morning. But also the Congés Annulés festival at the Rotondes. This event plunges the place into an incredible Berlin guinguette atmosphere. It’s absolutely marvellous. I’m going to miss it this year, it’s heartbreaking. Go! You’ll instantly feel like you’re on holiday.
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