Eddy, a passionate picker
Originally from Gleizé, Eddy grew up between L'Arbresle and Villefranche-sur-Saône. For him, the Beaujolais is much more than just a region: it's his playground, his heart and his life. From an early age, he discovered the pleasures of nature, particularly on walks in the forest and picking fruit with his mother.
An accomplished sportsman, at the age of 15 he joined the ‘Pôle Espoir’ handball academy and enjoyed a high-level career for ten years, while continuing his studies in STAPS until he obtained his master's degree. But as time went by, his desire to reconnect with nature became more pressing.
Self-taught and curious about everything, he taught himself about flora and fauna, read widely and developed a passion for living things. At the age of 23, he turned over a new leaf by leaving the world of top-level sport to devote himself to another form of endurance: long-distance trail running. He settled near Annecy, working in a sports shop and discovering a deeper connection with nature as the miles went by.
In 2018, Eddy made a new move: he returned to the Beaujolais region to become a professional picker. He set up Les Cueillettes d'Eddy, a business that allows him to follow the rhythm of the seasons, from picking to artisanal processing (jams, syrups, etc.), but also to pass on his passion. He offers guided walks for schools, local authorities and anyone interested in nature, covering wild edible plants, wildlife, biodiversity and the main principles of life.
A Geopartner since 2022, Eddy takes part in the Geopark's activities, particularly through nature tours. This partnership adds a new dimension to his work, integrating an understanding of the landscapes, rocks and geological history of the Beaujolais region.
Photo credit (c) Benoît Giraud
