With the Formula One summer break coming up at the end of July, the grid is no doubt already looking forward to three weekends without racing (some more than others…).
Every year, we’re treated to glimpses of what drivers get up to, from snaps taken on superyachts and in swimming pools to videos of workouts as they prepare for the second half of the season.
Among the most well-travelled athletes on the planet, the destinations they choose to spend their downtime in have to be pretty spectacular to impress them.
Want to travel like an F1 driver around Europe? We chatted to Haas F1 Team driver Esteban Ocon about where he likes to spend his summer and winter breaks, as well as his holiday hidden gems.
You grew up in Normandy – do you often return there on holiday? Is there somewhere in particular that you would recommend people visit?
Normandy will always have a special place in my heart. It’s where everything started for me. I go back when the calendar allows, and it’s really about family time more than anything.
I also still have many of my best childhood friends who still live there, so I always try to see them. There’s something grounding about returning to where you grew up and coming back to the roots, and that is something that is very dear to me.
For people visiting, I recommend Évreux of course! The coast is quite nice as well, especially in the summer. The Étretat cliffs are unmissable, dramatic, wild, genuinely breathtaking.
You eat incredibly well in Normandy as well with many great quality local products. The D-Day beaches are also deeply moving and important. Don’t just pass through, take the time. Overall, Normandy has a lot to offer and it’s a great place to spend a few relaxing days.
Are there any other places you find yourself returning to across France over and over again?
I really enjoy the South of France, the areas around Nice, Cannes etc. My girlfriend is from there, so I do go back often and it’s just such a beautiful place.
The ocean, the mountains, the weather, it’s hard to beat! I enjoy spending time there, especially around the Monaco Grand Prix which is the start of summer and there is always a lot going on in the area around that time.
Now that you live in Geneva, could you share some of your favourite places that you would recommend people visit?
Sometimes I hear people mention Geneva as purely a business city and they really miss out.
The lake is magnificent, on a clear day with the Alps reflected on the water, it can be a magical sight.
To be honest, anywhere around the lake is always beautiful so whether I am going for a walk with Flavy, going for a jog, a drive, or even taking the boat out, we know it will be a great day.
Do you have any “hidden gems” across France, Switzerland, or Europe in general that you think people overlook?
Annecy, just a short drive from Geneva into France. It’s actually where I spend a lot of time for my training in the off-season and between races.
If you don’t know it, it’s a medieval old town, with canals, turquoise lake, mountains all around. It’s very nice. I think it stays under the radar compared to Chamonix or Nice, which surprises me every time.
Where are some of your favourite places to visit over the summer and winter breaks in F1?
During the summer break I like being on the water with friends and family. I usually spend a quiet week on the boat in either Greece, Italy or the South of France.
After the intensity of the first half of the season, that simplicity is exactly what I need to relax and unwind and spend a few consecutive days with loved ones.
In the winter, I like to stay at home for the holidays, train at my performance centre, and really get ready for the upcoming season. I may plan a short weekend somewhere as well, especially for New Years.
Wherever I go on holiday, or even for the races during the year, I make sure I have Ubigi already set up on my phone before I land which makes a real difference for me. I’m connected the moment I step off the plane.