Travels in France with a camera

In June (2007) Bette and Geoff, with two friends, set off across the Channel to the Loire Valley and Brittany. As Sheila had just finished a course studying Gothic architecture and medieval stained glass our visit was to be dominated by churches and cathedrals (armed with binoculars to study details) but we, also, included visits to the odd chateau and other historic edifices.

French chateau - G Holmes

Sadly, the weather was against much photography. Interiors were dark and, as flash and tripods were often prohibited, not really suitable subjects for monochrome. Exteriors tended to be flat due to the heavy clouds and rain. That said I turned this trip into a reconnaissance expedition for future reference which should help in planning our next trip so all was not wasted.

We tried to visit some of the lesser known chateaux and I am sure my wife and friends would all recommend Beauregard are extensive and allow good views of the Chateau and surrounding countryside.

Often when visiting these historic buildings, one can find a wealth of subject on the outhouses as is the case of my shot of a shuttered window and door. This just appeals to me so I added it to my print collection under the title of Little and Large. We spent some time in La Rochelle. The ladies needed some retail therapy whilst Steven and I, marvelled at the wealth on display in the harbour. One yacht was for sale and we stopped counting to “O”s in the price! So yachting off La Rochelle remains a dream. We then headed north into Brittany where we visited a true photographers dream.