Cote d’Azur Bound

I have back to back travels coming up starting with a trip to the Cote d’Azur followed by an assignment for a tourism bureau back in the U.S. (more on that later).

There is a reason I like to head to head to Southern France and surrounds this time of year. The weather and light are typically excellent and the high season crowds have not descended just yet.  Pictured here is a bird’s eye view of Monaco taken almost exactly a year ago. If you look to the right of the frame you can spot the Royal Palace.

World's End

World’s End looks like the end of the world but not in the apocalyptic sense.

A remote valley located between Llangollen and Wrexham in North Wales it is one of my favorite spots on earth – no people or buildings, stunning vistas and the cleanest air I’ve ever inhaled. A single lane road winds through and up and down the mountains where the light seems to change with the wind, illuminating layers of heather covering the hills.  The only sounds are those made by sheep, which for some reason sounded like men trying to imitate sheep. 

I’ve visited World’s End many times throughout the years since childhood, thanks to having a mother who was born in North Wales and a large extended who remains there. It’s a family ritual, perhaps our Celtic Mecca, and one of the few places on earth that instantly clears my mind and soothes the soul. In the two weeks I recently spent in North Wales we drove through no less than three times, thanks to patient cousins who helped me chase the light.

Imperia, Italy

While in the south of France last month I took a side trip to Imperia, Italy which lies along the Ligurian Coast on the Italian Riviera. Imperia was created by Mussolini in the 1920s when he combined Porto Maurizio, Oneglia and surrounding villages.

Oneglia has a colorful harbor with a variety of eateries lining it. Yachts and fishing boats share space in the harbor.

Porto Maurizio is a hilltop medieval village overlooking the Mediterranean.

You can easily spend hours wondering its steep alleys and back streets. 

Both tend to be less visited than some of the more tony neighbors, such as San Remo. This is part of their appeal in my opinion.  They are worth a visit if you happen to find yourself in the vicinity.

These are a few the images I took while there.

Promenade des Anglais Nice France

I spent about two weeks earlier this month photographing the Cote d’Azur. Based in Nice, France I traveled up and down the coast to Cannes, Cap D’ail, Menton and Monaco among other locales. 

These photographs are a few taken of the world famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

Signature blue and white umbrellas line this stretch of coast.

The signs for beaches show the artistry of a bygone era with vintage fonts and design.

The boulevard is lined with aristocratic architecture from the Belle Epoque era when European nobility summered in this part of the world. The Hotel Negresco is the grande dame of Le Belle Epoque architecturally speaking and the icon of Nice.

I also took a side trip to Imperia on the Italian Riviera. More photographs to come.

Bird’s Eye View of Monaco

I’m back from the Cote d’Azur and editing photos. In honor of the Grand Prix this week pictured here is a bird’s eye view of Monaco and the decadent Hercule Harbor.

I was happy to discover this panoramic view of Monaco on this trip as I’m always on the hunt for new or different angles of well photographed locations. This perspective of the principality gives you an idea of just how small it is.

Cote d’Azur Bound

I’m flying to Nice, France later this week where I will be based for about 12 days photographing the Cote d’Azur.

I love photographing this part of the world before the summer crowds descend. Beautiful towns and cities along the coastline with medieval villages perched above create the perfect work environment for a travel photographer.

A side trip to Imperia, Italy is also planned. Photos and words to follow.

The Art of Display In France

There are certain places on earth that outdo most others when it comes to displaying goods for sale. France is one of them. Mexico also comes to mind.

Great care is taken in how food is arranged in the farmers markets of the south. Tomatoes in Marche Forville in Cannes artfully arranged alongside bright yellow lemons no longer look ordinary.

The color coordinated, subtle placement of these exquisite handmade candies in Nice’s Cours Saleya make them hard to resist. 

Beautifully designed packaging stands out in this window display of a sardine shop on Rue Meynadier in Cannes. It always beckons me to browse.   

Striking display isn’t limited to the tony parts of France. The backdrop of a Mediterranean blue utilitarian tray and the abstract circular placement of these fish in Marseille where fisherman sell the catch of the day along the old harbor no doubt contributed to them selling out fast.

Cote d’Azur Gallery

I’ve updated the Cote d’Azur Gallery in the portfolio section of my travel photography site following my trip to the region earlier this year.

Included are images as far west along the French Riviera as the glitzy yet laid back Cannes and as east as you can go to decadent Monaco. In between the two, destinations photographed include Antibes, Cap d’Ail, Nice and the stunning hilltop medieval villages perched above the Mediterranean.  

Street Scenes: Aerial Promenade des Anglais Nice France

The Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France hugs the Mediterranean and runs the length of the city.

Sun worshippers populate the beach and fitness enthusiasts and amblers the pedestrian promenade. The boulevard is lined with aristocratic architecture.

Ventimiglia Italy

The first stop on the coastal railway in Italy east of the Cote d’Azur, Ventimiglia is an often overlooked border town. Travelers typically stop long enough to catch trains to other parts of the country. 

But perched high on a hill overlooking the new town center and Mediterranean is the medieval old town. It has all the accoutrements that typically draw travelers to old towns – a cathedral, cobblestone lanes, centuries old homes leaning toward one another and squares tucked away where you least expect them.

Part of its charm is that it has not been turned into a vacation home, tourist trap. Many of its peaceful narrow streets look like they have been preserved from a time taking place at least five decades ago. Strolling through it one afternoon I pictured it in black and white as well as color.

Are there any border towns that you would recommend exploring instead of just passing through?  

Marseille, France Gallery

I've added a Marseille gallery to the portfolio section of my travel photography Web site. Marseille is in the midst of a major renaissance since being named the European Capital of Culture for 2013. Its rough and tumble reputation is starting to change and this often overlooked destination is now attracting travelers who typically favor its more tony neighbors.

The old port is the heartbeat of Marseille, which was founded by Greek traders in 600 BC. Every morning fisherman sell the catch of the day here as they have for centuries.

A short stroll from Vieux Port is Le Panier, or the old town, with pleasant alleys filled with cafes and boutiques. The streets of boho chic Cours Julien, the city’s hippest neighborhood, are lined with graffiti and street art. The district really comes alive at night when the many cafes and bars fill up.  

Marseille’s attractions also include forts, cathedrals and museums. More recent additions include the modern architecture of The Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean designed by Algerian-born French architect Rudy Ricciotti.

Despite its makeover and increasing gentrification France’s oldest and second largest city has kept its unique character - a mix of Mediterranean cultures embedded in its maritime roots.

Canals From Around The World

Canals have been a form of transport since ancient times. 

The Aztecs built the canals of Xochimilco located in what is now the far south of Mexico City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, today Xochimilco is a popular place to rent a colorful trajinera.

The completion of the Panama Canal about 100 years ago connected the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and saved ships the long and often dangerous journey of traveling around South America.

Built with their namesake in Italy in mind, the Venice Canals of Venice Beach in Los Angeles are a beautiful place to take a stroll.

Artists are among those who inhabit the houseboats floating on Regents Canal in Little Venice, London. I lived a block or two away from Regents Canal when I lived and worked in London back in the day.

Do you have canals where you live and are there any you would love to see?

Haut de Cagnes

Haut de Cagnes is one of the many villages dating to the Middle Ages perched in the hills of the Cote d’Azur. Renoir liked it here.

Its picture perfect, steep cobblestone lanes remain tranquil compared to some of the more popular villages perches, or perched villages, in the region. May it always be that way.

Street Scenes: Cours Julien Marseille France

The streets of  boho chic Cours Julien in Marseille, France are lined with graffiti and street art.  The city’s hippest neighborhood it reminds me of parts of East Berlin and the East Village in New York City before it was gentrified.

Stroll its streets during the day and you’ll come across the non-pretentious showrooms of independent designers who sew their one of a kind fashions on site. The district really comes alive at night when the many cafes and bars fill up.  

Fish Market Marseille France

Every morning in the port city of Marseille fisherman sell the catch of the day in stalls they set up along the old harbor as they have done for centuries.

The harbor is the heartbeat of the city, which was founded by the Phoceans in 600 BC.

Published Photographs: Cannes Edition

I thought it appropriate to feature Cannes in this edition of Published Photographs due to my trip to the Cote d'Azur this month as well as the world famous film festival, which kicks in a few weeks.

These are some of the images taken on my last trip that have been featured in magazines and newspapers. I had the good fortune to stay at the Martinez on business back in the day when media companies would pay for journalists to stay in accommodation other than a Motel 6 or equivalent. Sigh.

Cote d’Azur Bound

I’m heading to France this week and will spend about 10 days based in Nice photographing the Cote d’Azur.

I prefer to travel to popular coastal regions during shoulder season. The last time I traveled to this part of France I chose early autumn just after the summer crowds left. The weather was perfect – not too hot and clear blue skies. I look forward to photographing the region during spring this time around.

As always I have posts lined up while I’m away and will have plenty when I return. I’ll also be updating my Facebook page while I’m on the road.   

Photo: La Croisette, Cannes

Cathedrals from around the World

Some of the most visited sites in the world are religious institutions. The world’s cathedrals are among them due to their grand architecture and history.

 
York Minster in Yorkshire, England has roots dating back to 627. Construction of the current Gothic style structure began in 1220 and was completed in 1472.

The Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City is the largest in Latin America. It dates from the late 16th and towers over the city's enormous square, the Zocalo.

--> Catedral de Santiago In Antigua, Guatemala has undergone many makeovers over the centuries due to earthquakes. It was established in the 1500s.

 
Saint Nicholas Cathedral is a popular tourist destination in Monaco. It is the final resting place of Princess Grace.

More than 5 million people a year visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Known locally as Saint Pats, it opened its doors in 1879.

Snickelways and Spirits in York, Yorkshire

York in Yorkshire, England has its own name for the dozens of narrow alleys and passageways that wind throughout the walled city. Dubbed snickelways many are named after prominent residents of centuries ago.

Pictured here is Lady Peckett’s Yard. It is named after Alice Peckett, the wife of John Peckett, who was Lord Mayor of York in 1701. The former mayor owned what is now the Golden Fleece, a pub and inn, which has the distinction of being the most haunted pub in the UK. Lady Peckett is said to be one of several spirits who haunts the establishment, which is a stone’s throw from the snickelway after which she is named.

The Ladies of Llangollen

On the outskirts of the small town of Llangollen in North Wales is Plas Newydd, which was home to the Ladies of Llangollen for 50 years. Lady Eleanor Charlotte Butler and Sarah Ponsonby were Irish aristrcocrats who in the late 1880s fled their homeland for Wales rather than be married off to suitable privileged men.

Needless to say their departure was scandalous. Despite not following the norms of the upper crust the two received numerous visitors throughout the years who were intrigued by the pair. Writers William Wordsworth, Percy Shelley, Lord Byron and Sir Walter Scott are among those who walked through the diminutive doorways of the cottage they redesigned in Gothic style.

Today Plas Newydd is a museum reached by a short walk up a hill from Llangollen.