This particular region of France is more famous for its sparkling wine than the strange stretches of lunar landscape that give rise to the different types of champagne. Indeed, the scenery here seems to be quite uniform; extensive crop plains or gentle slopes etched with vineyards.
This countryside is crisscrossed by canals which serve to link the major towns here and form a larger network of navigable waterways throughout France. Originally used for mercantile purposes, transporting commercial goods, carrying freight and people, or providing a water supply, the canal network still maintains its practical function in many parts of the country as the large cargo barges attest.
However, many of the waterways today are devoted to leisure pursuits for tourists, both on the canal - with the numerous motor cruisers and sailing barges - and alongside - with the cycle tracks and towpaths.
A bike ride along the canal seems to give a water-rat's-eye view of the region and offers an alternative collection of sights, sounds and smells to the average town mouse, or a converted country mouse as myself. There are the usual scenes typical of the waterways...
Functional locks and watermills...
Delapidated castles and keeps...
And a few odd relics...
However, my favourite views always involve some form of flora and fauna...
Geese, ducks and their broods...
Or water rats...
The surrounding colours are beautiful, and are usually set off by the strange magical green of the water itself...
With the play of light and reflections on the water...
The world is mirrored upside down, to create a parallel image
With insects and birds flitting between the two...
All of these bring out the jewelled colours of flowers and folliage against the light...
Especially delicate shades of purple, violet and heliotrope...
All these have magical details...
Weird fronds, tendrils and spiny outbursts...
Weird tufts and sprouts...
Buds waiting to unfurl in all their glory...
Tiny florets ready to stretch out...
Their pale tint contrasting with others that are far more vibrant...
And while you can see the ragged wild poppies up at close quarters, there are also panoramic views of others (grown for pharmaceutical purposes) that lead your eyes to the hazy distance...
Or the haze of light...
Playing on the grasses and seed down...
Especially at the end of the day...
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave a message - please share your ideas!