I have spent my last few evenings walking by the river near my house at sunset. The weather has been glorious these past few days. The days are getting longer and the sun warmer. Summer is coming early this year… I took Charlotte’s top down yesterday (which I almost never do) and the drive in the vineyard, made golden by the sunset, was heavenly…
I found this poem from Arthur Rimbaud. I found it to be very appropriate…
Through evenings blue with summer, pricked by wheat,
I’ll roam the roads and crush the grass I tread,
Will dream and feel its coolness underfoot,
Will let the breezes bathe my naked head.
I will not speak, I will not think a thing,
Yet infinite love will rise up into me.
Far, far I will wander like a vagabond
In Nature like a woman’s company.
MY FRENCH HEAVEN 
Lovely.
Wonderful photography. I can feel the warmth in your photos. Almost as good as being there, not quite the same, but almost. 🙂
You’re killing me with these photos. Just gorgeous, and perfectly apposite, the Rimbaud. Ken
Your pictures are spectacular, simply spectacular…
Thank you so much! I just have a really good camera!
Of course. With the little addition of ability to find, capture and bring out the beauty of simple everyday things… Yep, just the camera…
Your pics are really amazing *_*
Why thank you!
What absolutely incredible photos Stephane! I love them all!
Dreamy images (lovely backlight!) and what a beautiful poem! I can certainly see why this is your French heaven!
I am having so much fun with evening light these days… I love my 135mm for this kind of work. Every picture it takes makes me feel like a much better photographer than I actually am 😉
Only one thing missing: You in hip waders with a good bamboo fly rod, casting for the rising trout in the river, in anticipation of a wonderful meal of pan-fried trout with wild asparagus and a bottle of Sancerre.
You know how to dream my friend!
Très très belles photos, elles m’inspirent !!!!!!
Je suis heureux qu’elles vous plaisent Isabelle! Merci d’être passé par là 🙂
What beautiful scenery, like paintings.
I’m so glad you liked it Marie! Thanks for your lovely comment!
So beautiful your region of France Stephane – you’re a very lucky man!
I feel lucky indeed, but nothing makes me happier than sharing my love for it with people like you my dear!
Such a beautiful places! I wonder if Rimbaud ever seen them…:) He was mostly a Londoner…(and also the one who said “Dogs are liberals” :))
But the truth is you are becoming the “maestro” of the French landscapes & lifestyle. The only one I have ever noticed around the blogosphere!
I can always count on you to make me feel better my darling. I was quite blue this morning and you are making me feel almost invincible. I hope you have a lovely day! 😉
What a beautiful post, in both images and words! I am visiting the Dordogne region in a few weeks for the first time (from Australia) and now I can hardly wait!
You will love the Dordogne Samantha! It is truly one of the most beautiful and welcoming regions of France if not THE most beautiful. Make sure you see Domme and Beynac. There is a restaurant in Domme overlooking the valley. The view will take your breath away!
Thank-you, I most certainly will 🙂
Oh, and the Rouillac farmer’s market sounds wonderful too!
Never seen it, but I bet you’ll enjoy it very much. Can’t wait to see your photos and hear your impressions!
Thanks for the early morning stroll (well its morning here). How beautiful…. the view, the light and your pictures 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it my dear friend!
I went through the photos a few times… ahhh it was a freshing sight after being in the big city for so long.
I am swooning over every one of your pictures. They are so, so beautiful. Thank you for sharing them with the world!
What a lovely comment! You are most welcome 🙂
Each and every photo a masterpiece. How wonderful to see your part of the world.
Thanks Angeline. I am very touched. I hope you come over someday to experience all the beauty for yourself in real life 😉 🙂
Beautiful!
Magical indeed.
I love Rimbaud’s words – they mirror the beauty of your surroundings quite perfectly. xo
😉
What a beautiful time of day!
Beautiful. I love where I live but I’m sorely tempted to get on a ferry.
That’s easy enough. I’ll put the champagne in the fridge 😉
Don’t tempt me! I’d do it but we’ve got the builders in …
Wonderful shots!
Hello,
This low, golden light is so wonderfully beguiling. It simply steals one’s heart and never gives it back.
The poem complements the images perfectly. It speaks of the love of Nature which you clearly have and the deep sense of satisfaction that comes of knowing oneself and being contented.
This is a magical post.
Being content with what we have… So important when everyone and everything around us pressures us to always want more… 😉
Absolutely!
The pictures look like background scenes of beautiful films. It is natural, but ironically looks unreal from the perspective of people living in a crowded city. Thank you for making me feel peaceful and calm in the middle of Seoul, one of the most crowded cities in the world. ^^
I’m glad you could enjoy some of my French heaven where you are. Seoul must be such an exciting place though… I am going to Japan in November for a two week vacation. It will be my first time ever in Asia. I cannot wait!!
Why don’t you drop by Seoul? ^^ I don’t know whether you already have a plan, but I strongly recommend you to visit Kyoto. I went to Kyoto last November to see the autumn colors and it was fabulous. If you need any recommendations, I’ll be delighted to give you some. I bet you’ll be tired of taking too many photos. ^^
I will actually spend most of my time in Kyoto as it seems to be the most interesting a beautiful place. I chose November for the leaves turning. I am going to take thousands of pictures8 Thanks for your offer to share your knowledge about the area. I might ask you a few questions as the date comes closer. My niece lives in Tokyo and my brother just visited her. So I have quite a good support system already 🙂
i’m already looking forward to your beautiful pictures of Kyoto. ^^
Once again you lift my spirits with your stunning photos. You always take me back to when I was in France – way too long ago – not a sound, smell or taste has been diminished in my memories. It is as if I were there yesterday. Thank you for helping me keep the memory of France so alive in my heart. I live so far away geographically but France will always remain, to me, as the most beautiful and wondrous place in the world – I wish I could live there…for now, I live France vicariously through you.
What a beautiful life xx
I always loved the title of the book “a moveable feast”. That’s what I aim to offer through my little blog. I am so glad there are people like you who appreciate my modest efforts…
You and Charlotte are so very fortunate to live and be surrounded by all this beauty.
Absolutely perfect … et j’ajouterai même … quelle ambiance merveilleuse ! 🙂
La lumière était magique… Un vrai bonheur de prendre des photos dans de telles conditions…
great sunsets!
Wish I could come visit once a month to see everything take change!
You could just move here. I know you’d miss your state but…
hahaha!
Lovely poem, lovely pics 🙂
How is it possible that anyone lives around Saint-Émilion and wakes up early or sober enough to take photographs like this? 😀
You are so funny!
Those photos – they just draw me in…my mind wanders to when we are in the Dordogne in the summer visiting my in-laws – that golden light – that peacefulness – that end of day. The carefree sense of summer.
It’s funny, I was speaking with a friend today, we spoke about being connected to the earth – connected to nature – in sync. Your photos definitely speak to that – the flow of energy between nature and us – connecting us as one. My conversation was about jobs and how my current job schedule is run by the tides – the tidal river and even adjustments around the Mascaret. Your tours too – connect people with the food of the region – fruits and vegetable growing here – seasonally. I just think we are more alive when we find this synchronicity – it’s our destiny and therefore, allows us to feel passionate for what we do and who we are!!
Your photos here just fill my soul!! Thank you!
I’ll take soul food in any way I can 😉
what a beautiful glowing light!
I think light is everything in photography! Anyone can take good photos at sunset 😉 🙂
Absolutely stunning. I once had the white version of your Charlotte, oh how I miss that lovely vehicle.
I’ve had several Charlottes of the years. I bought my first one in Atlanta some 20 years ago…
I took a walk in the park this morning and felt similar feelings. It was heavenly to be away from people (mostly) and although I could hear traffic noise, I couldn’t see any. (In your title–“leisurely”.) 🙂
janet
I love long walks. It’s the only way to take everything in and truly feel connected both to yourself and the environment… 🙂
Hello, this post has the most gorgeous photography. I think it may just be this post that has solidified my future plans to visit. The golden sunset by the river is too beautiful. Thank you from Your future visitor from Western Pennsylvania.
Can’t wait to have you Andris!
Très Jolie! Sheila
Très Jolie! Your pics take me to France with each of your posts. Sheila
😉
Thank you for sharing all this beauty.
John in California
You are most welcome John!
Heaven!!!!
Indeed! Thanks Katerina 😉