A London-born writer and editor with a French and Mauritian background, Rooksana has lived and reported on Paris for the last decade. She writes about travel, design, food and art, contributing to titles like the New York Times, Monocle, and Condé Nast Traveller. She has authored Lonely Planet’s latest guidebook to Mauritius and co-authored the upcoming Paris book. Rooksana founded What’s Up, Paris?, a twice-monthly newsletter packed with hyperlocal places for locals and visitors. Rooksana’s work also led her to jump on a four-seater plane to the middle of nowhere in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, road trip through Oman’s abandoned stone villages, go temple hopping in a closed-off region of Myanmar, take a 45-hour train journey from north to south India, and conquer Cambodian mountains on a motorcycle, uncovering recently unearthed shrines and temples. Her profound fascination with others’ devotion to creativity continues to propel her exploration.
What does a journey mean to you?
A pause and a transition.
Which country or location most inspires you?
Anywhere that allows you to travel back in time. Paris, where I live, for instance, is packed with bars and brasseries with heaps of old soul.
Where would you go back to and why?
Botswana. I was bowled over by the open hearted people and their sense of humour, and the incredible beauty of the landscape.
Top insider tip for Paris?
Do visit the wonderful museums but also take time to just wander the streets and neighbourhoods to take in the architecture, which can vary wildly from arrondissement to arrondissement.
What journey would you most like to go on?
There are so many! I’d love to road trip through Botswana into Namibia and see the desert elephants. And also spend time to get to know Bhutan and Tibet.
