Photographs of the Loire Valley France

The Loire River Valley in France conjures up images of grand chateaux and the once upon a time opulence of the French nobility. Good food and wine are now it's notable features. Unfortunately our plans to explore the region did not materialize and our focus became mainly about returning home on schedule. We visited the region in the fall of 2007 only to find my stay here was cut short by a labor strike that crippled France for several days... the revolution continues.

Chateau Amboise in Loire Valley

This photograph is a composite created with layers from my nature images. The textures and tones yield a pleasing rendition of the view of Chateau Amboise in the Loire Valley.

French Wine Barrels in Loire Valley 1

What is France without the fruit of the vine. The wine culture is an integral part of life in France.

Chateau Amboise and Bridge at Night

Alas, with our time in the Loire Valley cut short, I have few images of the chateaux in the region. I managed to capture this on an evening stroll during our brief stay in the area.

Face In the Willows

This image caught my eye while walking through a park at the former home of Leonardo da Vinci. Silk screens of Leonardo's works were hanging from the trees and the backlighting was coming through this one. Pure serendipity, timing and a careful eye for composition and lighting and voila!

French Wine Barrels in Loire Valley 2

Wine barrels and an old bucket always make great subjects for a composition.

Abondoned Boat in Loire Valley

We were able to tour Close Luce during our brief stay in the Loire Valley. The park around the former home of Leonardo da Vinci is filled with his inventions. Here is a paddle boat of his design docked and collecting autumn leaves.

French Wine Barrels in Loire Valley 3

Red ivy adds character to this collection of old wine barrels.