France
Given the art, architecture, food, wine and culture, what’s not to love about France! The photographs below were taken during multiple trips that included Paris as well as the Champagne, Burgundy, Loire, Brittany and Normandy regions.
Mai oui!
Paris - I was struck with the artistic approach of this gardener in the Jardin de Luxembourg - he would prune a few branches and then descend from his latter to inspect the work before proceeding.
Paris - I couldn't resist capturing this street vendor, not least because he was offering a range of vintage cameras for sale.
Paris - reflections of the skyline, both ancient and new, in a modern Paris office building.
Paris - this man was sitting on his suitcase in the middle of a busy pedestrian thoroughfare. I don't know what his story was, but he seemed lost in his thoughts as the city hurried past.
Paris - view from the opera house.
Paris - the cathedral of Notre Dame has recently reopened. I wanted to capture the grandeur of its vaulted ceilings, and the throngs to come to admire it.
Chinon - this chateau just outside of Chinon in the Loire region was built just after the French revolution. This photograph was taken in the early morning.
Chinon - the drive leading up to this chateau provided the subject for this impressionist-like image.
Chateau de Villandry - this chateau is known for its spectacular gardens, seen here through one of its 500-year-old windows.
Azay-le-Rideau - handheld photography can be a challenge in the often dark interiors of chateaus. Here I used a slow shutter speed to capture a visitor descending a stair.
Sancerre - one of the most picturesque towns in the Loire region, known for its wines.
Sincere - the chateau de Sincere as seen from the ancient fortress ("tour").
Sancerre - a bit of whimsy at a winery outside of town.
Saint Malo - the view along the promenade in the early evening.
Sincere - known for its dramatic tidal swings, here we see low tide and pedestrians walking along sands that in a few hours will be completely submerged.
Utah Beach - flags commemorating the sacrifices of those who took part in the D-Day invasion that ended WWII.
Utah Beach - the American cemetery where many of the D-Day fallen are buried.
Etoges - an early morning view of the chateau through an opening in the ancient surrounding wall. Chateau d'Etoges is a beautiful building with a mote with swans and lovely grounds.