Charente-Maritime: the little corners of paradise of the conductor Julien Masmondet

THE FIGARO MAGAZINE. - What is your particular link with this region?

Julien Masmondet. - I have links with the Ile d'Oléron through my paternal grandparents. It was a family of farmers. As a child, I spent all my summers in the family home in Dolus, and I have maintained a strong emotional bond with this island. Today, my career takes me to the four corners of the world, but I come back to Oléron several times a year to recharge my batteries.

Does it inspire you in your work?

In Oléron, I find the necessary calm to work on my scores. I draw from the natural elements - the ocean, the wind, the waves - sources of musical inspiration. The festival that I created in 2004 allows me to combine the love I feel for this region and classical music. I also wanted to introduce this musical style to as many people as possible in rural areas. It was very well received, both by the Charentais and the visitors.

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A place to discover?

La Nouette beach, on the east coast of the island. It is unknown and little frequented because to get there, you have to walk through a forest for a quarter of an hour. As we approach, we hear the murmur of the sea. It is an incomparable atmosphere.

A ride that transports you?

The route de l'Aiguille, certainly. Best done by bike to take the time to stop and observe. It winds through the marsh, in a setting that seems unchanged for centuries. No trace of civilization, nature in its purest form, with exceptional play of light at different times of the day and birds everywhere.

The Chassiron lighthouse, at the northern tip of the island. © Stephan Gladieu for Le Figaro Magazine

A breathtaking panorama?

At the northern tip of the island, at the Chassiron lighthouse, we are at the end of the world and the 180 ° panorama of the ocean is superb. We distinguish the agitated elements, with a wind hitting the face. You can also walk along the cliffs.

A building not to be missed?

The citadel of Château-d'Oléron, designed by Vauban, is a place steeped in history. As you walk along the ramparts, you can enjoy a unique point of view on the bridge on the island of Oléron, the porthole of Antioch and the ocean. It is also an artistic place, with a very beautiful concert hall in the arsenal and an exhibition space in the old prison. I like this site which makes the link between heritage, nature and art.

An unforgettable encounter?

The painter Dominique Barreau, who has a magnificent workshop, the Moulin des Landes, in Saint-Georges d'Oléron, which I frequent during my stays on the island. I like its visual language, made of movements, materials and contrasts, made with a knife or brush. We find the influence of the ocean in his works: the foreshore, freighters ...

A tradition to be preserved?

I really like expressions in Charentais patois, such as "the funny ones" to designate children. Or “we are benaise”, to say that we feel good. These oral, tasty, fun and endearing traditions must be preserved.

As a child, the conductor Julien Masmondet spent the summer in his family home in Dolus. Press photo

A taste to share?

That of pineau. It's the first thing we share when we arrive in the region. When I have this taste in the mouth, I really feel like Oléron. I prefer Pineau Blanc, softer, with a pretty golden color. During the festival, it is also a moment of conviviality after the concerts.

Simple happiness?

A surf session on the wild coast, in the Vert-Bois sector. Sitting on my board, I simply wait for the waves. I like this direct link with the ocean.

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An exquisite hour?

The very end of the afternoon on a beach, in summer, when everything is calm and the sun is declining. We are in suspended time and the colors are sublime.

A smell with the madeleine effect?

The smell of the ocean when I open my car window on the Oléron Bridge… A real breath that transports me to another world! It takes me back to my childhood as a small city dweller who breathed the sea air at the top of his lungs when I arrived on deck.

Something to bring back?

A basket of oysters, which I buy at the Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron market. It's my way of sharing my island with my loved ones.