Autumn Colors in Burgundy, Sancerre, Pouilly-sur-Loire and Briare
The autumn light, golden vineyards and shifting skies, from Sancerre, Pouilly-sur-Loire and Briare, I took a few photographs along the way, following changes in the weather and atmosphere, simply capturing what the season had to offer.
Sancerre, Golden vines and old streets
Sancerre overlooks the surrounding valleys from its hilltop. At this time of year, the vineyards turn shades of yellow, copper and sometimes almost orange. The low sun breaks through the clouds at intervals, creating fleeting patches of light on the slopes and highlighting the contours of the land.
In the village, the cobbled streets, modest façades and faded shutters form a quiet, unpretentious setting. The autumn light is soft here, sometimes absent, but always interesting.
Pouilly-sur-Loire, A brief light
Across the river in Pouilly-sur-Loire, the rows of vines descend in gentle waves. The leaves still clinging to the vines caught the light of a short-lived clearing. A rainbow appeared above the vineyard just after a shower, a simple moment worth pausing for.
Pouilly-sur-Loire is also the birthplace of Pouilly Fumé, one of the French white wines most appreciated by American wine lovers. The Château du Domaine de Ladoucette, visible in the background, adds a discreet architectural note. The damp air enhanced the colors, giving a certain depth to the scene.
The Briare Canal Bridge, Late light over the Loire
Last stop, the Briare canal bridge, a 19th-century structure spanning the Loire. The late afternoon light, filtered by clouds, briefly illuminated the trees and riverbanks. The canal turned into a calm mirror, and the lines of the bridge stood out clearly against the sky, without embellishment.
There was no one around, just the stillness of the place, and that golden light that lasts only a few minutes. No spectacle, just the right moment to press the shutter.
Conclusion
Autumn in Burgundy needs no exaggeration. Variable light, open landscapes and a few quiet scenes are enough to make an image. These photographs do not aim to tell everything, only to preserve a trace of what was there, just as it appeared.
About the author
Sebastien Desnoulez is a fine art photographer specializing in landscape and architecture. He captures the quiet beauty of places, plays with light and contrast, and composes images where aesthetics meet emotion.
The gallery below offers a selection from this series.
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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Also worth exploring: Pontigny: Light and Simplicity in the First Cistercian Abbey
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