New perspective

The sunset over Geneva Lake

Gaining altitude to escape the grip of the mountains that shape the horizon and conceal the final moments the sun has in store for us before it disappears for a few hours. It is in these moments that the atmosphere shifts, as the last ray of sunlight traces outlines and casts reflections. Lake Geneva acts as a mirror; its contours become more pronounced, the details fade, and its surface begins to blend into the sky.

The sun acts like a painter who has left only shades of red and yellow on his palette. The blue of the sky gradually fades to make way for the warm light of the sun’s disc, and a yellow streak forms on the surface of the lake. Day is drawing to a close, giving way to the whitish light of the moon. The earth releases the heat it has stored up during the day. Silence settles in; only the insects take over.

In this atmosphere, where details can no longer be distinguished, outlines re-emerge, and only the essential surrounds us. Calm settles in and the tranquillity of the moment draws us towards what truly matters. This scene repeats itself every day, and yet each time we perceive it with subtle nuances. This spectacle brings us a sense of calm after a busy day. Nature slows down and unwittingly invites us to do the same, to recharge our batteries. The painter has put his tubes of paint away in a box, ready to open it the next time our moon appears.

Cathare country

North of the Pyrenees, on the edge of the sea, the langue d'Oc once resounded, to the rhythm of the songs of the troubadours. Valleys criss-crossed by the ridges of the Corbières have seen and experienced some turbulent times. The crusades against the ‘pure’ men and women known derisively as ‘Cathars’ who denied the dogmas of the Catholic Church, falling into a schism between spirituality and dogma. Scattered around the highest points are the remains of castles and fortresses that bear witness to this period of the Middle Ages. A glimpse of a small part of this country to let stories of the past resurface.

Street artists - festival 2024 in Vevey

Over a summer weekend, the historic centre of Vevey is transformed into a street show. In a number of places, the city is taken over by artists from several countries, performing solo, duo or group shows. It's a party for all ages. Staged stories and acrobatics. There's no limit to the variety of performances. Each performance is voted on by the public, who decide the winners.

Alsace - Vosges

A getaway near Ingwiller, at the Vollach mill, enhanced by walks in the forests and hills of the Vosges. Among the trees, following in the footsteps of our Celtic ancestors as far as Mont Saint-Michel.

14th Celtic Festival in Corbeyrier

At the end of June 2024, the Confrérie du Loup organised its Celtic festival in Corbeyrier overlooking the Rhone plain. With two stages hosting music groups and numerous stalls, the musical and cultural programme was packed. I was able to attend performances by the first three groups: Malregard, Capitaine Zaak and Calum Steward Trio. After the first sunny day, the skies began to get heavier and heavier, and before the concerts could begin, the festival had to close its doors hastily because of the expected violent thunderstorms. I'll leave you to savour at least the first moments of this festival, oriented towards an ancient tradition and coloured by the costumes of many of the participants..

From here and elsewhere

A mosaic of views from around the world. The place is not important, but the atmosphere and mood of the gaze through the lens. While out and about with my camera in my pocket, I capture images like an illustration in a notebook.

The 2024 Monthey carnival

Traditionally, the town of Monthey is alive for a few days to the rhythms of Guggenmusik and the costumed processions of groups from several Swiss cantons. The ground is covered in confetti and the festive atmosphere lasts well into the night.