Thérèse, 93, and her grandson Jules, 29, set out from Metz to the Atlantic coast, covering nearly 2,000 kilometers by hitchhiking. Their route, shaped by chance encounters and family history, is being filmed for a documentary.
On July 24, Thérèse, 93, and her grandson Jules Riss, 29, left Metz with a single goal: to cross France by hitchhiking, capturing every step of their nearly 2,000-kilometer journey on film. Their destination is the Atlantic coast, but the route itself—marked by spontaneous decisions and personal history—has become the heart of their adventure.
The pair’s first major milestone was reaching Valence, having relied on just four different drivers. Their path took them through Ardèche, a region deeply connected to Thérèse’s past. For years, she traveled these roads with her late husband, who passed away four years ago. Returning now, accompanied by her grandson and without the comfort of a private car or fixed schedule, she is rediscovering both the landscape and herself.
Jules did not immediately propose the full cross-country trek. Instead, he suggested a shorter test run: a weekend hitchhiking trip through Brittany, covering about 500 kilometers. Thérèse was initially reluctant, agreeing only after some persuasion. That first experience, and a subsequent journey to Lot-et-Garonne, gradually eased her doubts. The unpredictability of relying on strangers—never knowing who would stop, how far they would go, or what conversations might unfold—shifted from a source of anxiety to a highlight of the experience.
Each driver who picked them up shaped the journey in unexpected ways. One memorable moment came when a woman initially drove past, only to turn around and return for them, telling Thérèse and Jules, “Look, it’s impossible not to stop. I have time, I’ll come get you.” For Thérèse, these encounters have become more significant than the distances covered or the number of rides.
Family Ties and New Perspectives
The journey is more than a physical challenge; it is a way for Thérèse to reconnect with memories of her husband and for Jules to honor a family tradition. Their stop in Ardèche is especially meaningful, as it allows Thérèse to revisit places she once explored with her spouse. Among their planned visits is Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and a village associated with singer Jean Ferrat, both woven into the fabric of her personal history.
Unlike a race against time, their trip is defined by flexibility. They move at a pace set by the people they meet and the places they wish to see, choosing to savor each moment rather than rush to the finish. As Jules explains, the value of the journey lies as much in the pauses and detours as in reaching the final destination.
From Reluctance to Embracing the Unknown
Thérèse’s initial hesitation about hitchhiking has given way to genuine enjoyment. The uncertainty that once made her uneasy now adds excitement and depth to the experience. Their story echoes that of other older travelers who, motivated by family bonds, step outside routine and discover new possibilities late in life.
Throughout the trip, the pair have documented their experiences, aiming to create a documentary that captures not just the physical journey, but the evolving relationship between grandmother and grandson. Each ride brings a new story, a fresh perspective, and a reminder that age need not be a barrier to adventure.
A Journey Preserved on Film
As they approach the Atlantic coast, the documentary takes shape—not just as a record of kilometers traveled, but as a testament to shared time, family memory, and the willingness to embrace the unknown. Thérèse’s transformation from reluctant participant to enthusiastic traveler is at the heart of the project, offering a nuanced look at aging, resilience, and the power of intergenerational connection.
This journey, as reported by Talent24h, highlights how even the most familiar roads can reveal new meaning when traveled with openness and curiosity. For Thérèse and Jules, the adventure is as much about the people they meet and the memories they revisit as it is about reaching the journey’s end.
