A former journalist, Anne-Claire Delval is the podcast producer and host of Éclats de voix. And she’s a keen cyclist.

Paperjam: As far as holidays go, are you a planner or more the spontaneous type?

Anne-Claire Delval: I don’t have any strict rules. There are only exceptions. It’s just that I’m a bit French and I can’t deny it, even though I’m now a Luxembourger too!

Where are you off to next?

I’ll give you a hint: it was the original territory of the Etruscans…

How do you choose your destinations?

With insatiable curiosity and the spirit of, as G.K. Chesterton put it: “The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.”

Minimum number of days for a holiday to be beneficial?

As soon as I lose track of time.

Is it difficult to disconnect?

I agree with cartoonist Didier Tronchet’s observation: “Anybody on a bicycle sees their view of the world shifted.”

What’s your favourite holiday activity or ritual?

My ritual is two scoops of chocolate sorbet (much better than ice cream), plus a scoop of coconut, buried under a delicious warm chocolate sauce, topped with a dome of whipped cream garnished with toasted almonds. You’ve got the picture!

What’s your favourite holiday memory?

Renewed enchantment.

Do you prefer active or relaxing holidays?

Is there an incompatibility or a compulsory choice?

What’s your best trick for unwinding?

Climbing a mountain pass on a bike or soaking up the sun on a yoga mat.

Is there anything you can’t do without on holiday?

There are several of them. Books to get away from it all, notebooks to scribble, write and doodle in, my bike and my yoga mat.

Do you keep up to date with the news while you're on holiday?

As I do every day: from as far away as the moon can see!

How do you prepare your holiday budget?

Without Excel spreadsheets. They give me pimples!

Have your holidays inspired you to develop your business in any new way?

Being out of the picture stimulates my already overflowing creativity! Regularly resting your brain (and not just sleeping) should be a legal requirement!

Your worst anecdote or a lesson learned on holiday?

I’d say that the unexpected, boredom and the unknown bring adventure and great experiences.

What’s the first thing you usually do when you get back?

Realise that trousers stick to your legs!

Where in Luxembourg do you feel like you’re on holiday?

On its roads with my racing bike.

This article was originally published in French.