“Faced with the worst, I believe in solidarity”

In your new book, you address your two children. What do you want to tell them?

I wanted to tell them why I risked my life all these years. Tell them that I did this job because I love them. I am convinced that a fulfilled working mother is a better mother.

A person whose destiny you are proud to have told?

In my previous book, I recounted the story of a soldier in Mali, Maxime Blasco, who had an extraordinary life. He crashed, he saved his comrades… He is an anonymous hero, who died in a melee with a jihadist.

Do you have a guardian angel on your shoulder?

I am convinced that there is a star that shines and protects me. If it were down to luck alone, it would have already been exhausted.

A value that you have inherited?

My father gave me a sense of honor and it had a lot of impact on me. You should always be able to look at yourself in the mirror. And so don’t lie, be rigorous.

Your guilty pleasure?

I can’t resist the langoustines from Le Croisic, in Loire-Atlantique. I am from Nantes, Breton at heart and culture. I need the sea, the Wild Coast and its seafood.

For what cause would you mobilize?

Without hesitation, for Afghan women. I was there when the Taliban arrived in 1996, then during their return in 2021. It is the country that shocked me the most and the courage of its inhabitants moves me to the highest degree. If I’m asked to do an event for them, I’ll be there.

Which beauty will save the world?

I have seen the worst of humanity. Fortunately, even in war, we always meet a person who makes us realize that everything is not over. I believe a lot in solidarity.

What question would you like to ask Pope Francis?

I met John Paul II when I was pregnant with my son. He blessed it in my womb, it touched me greatly. If I meet François, I will ask him if he can bless my daughter, in turn.

A prayer, for whom?

For my children, for others. Under an armed Russian drone, I also prayed that it would not drop its bomb on us.