Raphaël de Casabianca, a complex and multifaceted individual, emerged into the world on July 29, 1980, in the city of love and light, Paris, France. His paternal lineage originates from the picturesque island of Corsica, where the rugged landscape and rich cultural heritage undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his unique character. On the other hand, his maternal roots stem from Béarnaise, a region in southwestern France renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
As a young boy, Raphaël was drawn to the captivating world of photography, and his fascination with the art form only intensified as he grew older. This innate passion led him to pursue formal education in the field, enrolling in courses at the esteemed EICAR, a renowned institution for the study of audiovisual arts. His dedication and aptitude for photography ultimately culminated in the attainment of a BTS in audiovisual editing, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Raphaël's foray into the dynamic and multifaceted audiovisual industry commenced in the year 1996, when he embarked on a journey of creating documentaries, both in his native France and in various international locations. This inaugural endeavour marked the genesis of a long-standing and illustrious career in the realm of documentary filmmaking.
Raphaël's initial foray into the world of stop-motion animation resulted in the creation of a captivating short film, "The Adventures of Burk". This masterpiece garnered a prestigious second prize in the esteemed Audiovisual Competition of the city of Paris, thereby cementing his reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker.
This momentous achievement served as a springboard for Raphaël's subsequent success in the world of documentary filmmaking, as he continued to hone his craft and push the boundaries of the medium.
Raphaël's professional journey began in 2005 when he joined the creative department of Disney Télévision France, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience for the next three years.
In 2008, Raphaël transitioned to a new role as a producer for the National Geographic Channel and Voyage channels, further expanding his expertise in the television industry.
In 2009, Raphaël co-presented the innovative docu-fiction "Funny Trip" on France 2 alongside the talented Antoine Delaplace, showcasing his versatility as a presenter and his ability to adapt to different formats and genres.
Raphaël's profound proficiency in documentary filmmaking enabled him to take the helm of the documentary "Expédition Grand Rift" for France 5 in the same calendar year, showcasing his exceptional storytelling abilities.
In the year 2011, Raphaël's remarkable photographic skills earned him top honors in the prestigious photographic competition organized by the beGlob travel network and A/R magazine, with a series of striking black and white photographs titled "Women of the World," a testament to his artistic vision and technical prowess.
Raphaël's television career experienced a remarkable surge as he evolved into a prominent "geography expert" columnist on the popular game show "Are you a good expert?" broadcast on France 2 from 2012 to 2013.
Raphaël embarked on an exciting new chapter in 2013, joining the esteemed France 5 program "Échappées Belles" as a globetrotter, where he had the privilege of collaborating with the talented Sophie Jovillard and Jérôme Pitorin. This esteemed program, which aired every Saturday evening at 8:35 p.m., provided Raphaël with the perfect platform to showcase his skills and share his adventures with a wide audience.
Over the course of his time on the show, Raphaël undoubtedly left an indelible mark, and his departure in September 2018 was met with a mix of sadness and congratulations as he passed the torch to his successor, the accomplished Ismaël Khelifa.
Raphaël's television engagements expanded to include a column on the popular program "La Quotidienne" on France 5, a French public television channel, from September 2015 to June 2017. During this period, he collaborated with a team of notable personalities, consisting of Sophie Jovillard, Jérôme Pitorin, and Ngiraan Fall, to share and present innovative "weekend ideas" with the audience.
Raphaël assumed the role of host of the popular television program "Rendez-vous in unknown land" on France 25 in September 2018, marking a significant milestone in his career. This prestigious program, which he had previously co-hosted with the renowned Frédéric Lopez, has long been a favorite among French audiences. Raphaël's first guest on the revamped show was the accomplished director and actor Franck Gastambide, who embarked on an extraordinary journey to the foothills of the Himalayas in India to meet the enigmatic Van Gujjar nomads from Uttarakhand. The captivating episode aired on March 19, 2019, in the early evening hours, captivating viewers with its unique blend of culture, adventure, and exploration.
Raphaël has shared the hosting duties with Églantine Éméyé for the captivating television program "Return from unknown land", which provides a unique platform for guests to share their extraordinary adventures and experiences on camera.
As of April 2019, Raphaël has taken the reins of the popular television show "Our unknown lands", where he accompanies a diverse range of celebrities on a journey to explore the hidden gems and uncharted territories of France, succeeding Frédéric Lopez as the show's host.
