Photographer: Emmanuel Claude
ID CARD
- Name: Paul Fontaine
- Age: 19
- Hobbies: Skiing, sports, gardening
- Strengths: Planning and curiosity
- Favorite subjects: “Everything is interesting - if it’s well taught!”
- Motto: “The early bird catches the worm.”
How do you feel now that the show is over?
When I think back on Take Off, I often replay that moment in the semi-final when I gave the wrong answer… Not winning leaves a slightly bitter taste (especially for such a silly mistake!). At the same time, I’m very happy to have met all these incredible people. I think we all learned a great deal during the show.
I’m also relieved that it’s over. It was a lot of stress.
What would you like to do in the future?
My goal is clear: to drive change. I hate feeling inactive. I’d like to contribute to the development of eco-focused startups and sustainable development. I’m fascinated by new technologies. Pure research wouldn’t suit me in the long run: I need too much action. So my goal would be more about funding and supporting innovative projects.
I also want to “overcompensate” for my environmental impact. And why not explore a completely different path, like becoming an actor, to share messages and help drive change?
When you applied to Take Off, what was on your mind at the time?
Above all, I wanted to meet unconventional people.
It was my third attempt. The first time, I hadn’t yet understood what the jury expected from me. The second time, I had memorized a speech to introduce myself… and it didn’t convince them. The third time, I went in freestyle. That’s what worked in the end. I showed that I could take initiative. But above all, that I was capable of working in a team.
From the second casting onward, I brought a carnivorous plant to illustrate my passion for gardening. Initially, it was only 10 cm tall. The next time: 60 cm. It had grown a lot, just like me through the process. I realized that you need to think things through, stay calm, know how to lead, but also share the floor so everyone can express themselves.
How did you experience teamwork?
I really loved my team. Even though I unfortunately had to face Yeva in the very first duel, she supported us until the end. I immediately felt Fréderik’s drive to win, and I loved working with him. From the start, I knew he would be a strong contender. As for Sienna, she always brought a great positive energy.
We were strategic and organized. We thought things through together and developed plans for every situation. Both during challenges and outside of them, we got to know each other. And it worked really well!
Every evening, we reviewed the day: analyzing performances, anticipating the next captain or duelist… We planned everything. We even had a detailed document with our mistakes, our successes, and our strategies. Much like Maurice in the previous season.
This communication was essential to our cohesion.
What qualities helped you the most to progress on Take Off?
My knowledge outside of school surprised even me. I realized I knew a lot of things thanks to my natural curiosity.
My composure also helped me a lot. I like to plan ahead. Before each challenge, I visualize what I need to do - like when we had to do stitches on a pig’s leg. It’s a form of meditation: I organize my thoughts, my knowledge, my actions. And when it’s time to act, I’m ready.
What advice would you give to those who want to take part in the show?
Take an interest in the world around you.
I would also advise waiting a bit before participating. Age brings essential tools: knowledge, confidence, a better understanding of human relationships... It gives you time to prepare, to develop your curiosity, get involved, build things, experiment.
What was your favorite challenge, and why that one in particular?
My favorite challenge was the one with the forensic police. It required a lot of preparation, and I found it truly fascinating. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to take part in it, but I was eager to while watching the others. It was also great to see almost the entire Yellow Team together again, with Sienna’s unexpected return.
What would you have done with the prize money?
I would probably have developed a platform to facilitate donations and support projects. The idea would be to allow users to choose which organizations to support based on different criteria (geographical area, theme, etc.), with an additional section dedicated to internships and volunteering, as well as news (both positive and negative) related to sustainable development.
What is the most valuable thing the show gave you?
Friends. Lots of friends, and for life!
And essential skills: being strategic in all circumstances and knowing how to lead a team.
Was there a challenge where you thought, “This is going to be difficult”?
Preparing for the final show was very stressful. It was an intense moment. Many thanks to Joseph and Lucie for their help.
Then there was the challenge with the pig’s leg (Episode 11, medicine). During training (editor’s note: participants received hands-on suturing practice before the challenge began), I found it very difficult to learn how to stitch. In the end, thanks to mindfulness and visualizing the movements, I managed to do it correctly - and even to work faster and faster.
If you could take home one invention or object from the show, what would you choose?
I would have loved to leave with the final trophy!
And of course… the production’s cookies. Everyone loved them. We even “borrowed” a box of 40 cookies - before returning them (partially). It was the heist of the century!
Was this season different from what you had imagined?
Yes. All the contestants were extremely strong. I didn’t expect such a high level right from the start. I also found it quite difficult to assess some contestant’s strengths and weaknesses.
What was the most beautiful and the most surprising moment for you on the show?
The most surprising moment was passing the casting straight away in the first episode. This moment wasn’t broadcast, but there were two other contestants named Paul on set. I thought one of them would be chosen, not me. And yet…
My best memories remain the evenings at the youth hostel with the other contestants. In the end, the most beautiful part of Take Off is Take Off as a whole: a unique adventure with extraordinary people, each more interesting and talented than the last.
If you had to describe Take Off in three words, which would you choose?
Unique
Memorable
Interesting
Any final words?
I wish all the contestants the very best. They are all exceptional.
Thanks to the André Losch Fondation (ALF) and the Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR) for their investment in the future of young people. I hope that one day I can, in turn, contribute and give back what I’ve received.
Author: Diane Bertel
Editor: Lucie Zeches (FNR)
