France

In the Loire Valley of France I found a garden that threw inspiration at me like a shower of rose petals. The formal gardens at Chateau de Villandry are magnificent examples of how the ruling class of France combined their artistic flare and desire for fresh produce in the kitchen. It's also a world of its own for visiting photographers.

Nothing says Paris like a cheap miniature Eiffel Tower sold by an Algerian hawker or a very bad faux-impressionist painting at a Bastille Flea Market. Nothing says photography in Paris like a roll of black & white film and a cafe au lait. You don't chase photos here, you just sit down with a drink and wait for something interesting to walk by.

This set of images is pure indulgence. Paris in winter is divine. I wasn't even planning to take my camera out on the street, it was a genuine holiday after all. Then I got a little crazy. C'est la vie. C'est lovely.

Getting lost in the lanes and discovering a foie gras farm off the map is one of life's great joys. Dordogne is just brimming with lovely towns. Some are very small with a chapel and a few dozen houses surrounding, others are large with a pedestrian old town to help preserve the architecture. All of them have at least one if not a dozen chateaux to add a touch of elegance and grandeur to the location. Many towns are built on the apex of dramatic cliffs, hills or mountains which adds to their photogenic nature.

Vineyards and forest trails make the country side between Strasberg and Kaysersberg a charming setting for getting outdoors. These images were taken for a media shoot, so not only was the scenery fabulous but I had some wonderful companions to fill the frame too. A little bit of sunshine goes a long way in Alsace.