Photography: France, Summer 2005In early July, I spent a week in the Lot region of the south of France. This is one of the less spoiled regions of France, with miles of rolling hills and unmanaged natural forests. The Lot RiverThe department of the Lot gets its name from the Lot river which runs through it. The Lot is the larger of the two main rivers in the department.
These two pictures and the accompanying detail were taken above the village of Montbrun on the Lot river. The recently restored castle of Montbrun is visible from this vantage point.
Between rivers is a region of rolling limestone hills called the Causse, which is covered for the most part in oak forest, with some fields suitable for grazing sheep in-between. The Célé RiverThe other significant river in this area is the Célé river, which is a tributary of the Lot. The Célé is smaller than the Lot, and its valley is correspondingly less dramatic.
These two views show the Célé valley near the village of Corn. The soil in the valleys is far more fertile than that found on the causse. This, combined with the availability of water, means that most agricultural activities are centred around the rivers.
This view and its detail show the village of Corn, from the top of the cliff overlooking the valley. BéduerThe village of Béduer sits above the Célé valley, and plays host to a 12th century castle.
The Château de Béduer as seen from the Célé valley.
The front entrance of the Château de Béduer.
The view from the Château towards the medieval market town of Figeac.
Sunset over the village of Béduer, seen from the Château.
Swifts fly across a spectacular sunset over the Célé valley, as seen from the Château. Figeac
Old meets new in the Medieval market town of Figeac. |
