Small villages perch atop low hills, surrounded by rolling fields of sunflowers, wheat and beets punctuated with blue flax and other crops. This is the Gatinais region, not too far south of Paris. Nestled among the fields are river valleys, punctuated by pine and heather forests growing in almost pure sand interspersed with rounded, weathered rocks that often look like abstract sculptures.
This is a region of agriculture, not tourism. Burcy, where these photos were taken, has no shops of any kind, so any missing groceries require a trip to Puiseaux, about 12 minutes away by narrow roads winding through the fields. Bread is delivered in a small truck; just listen for the horn in midmorning and run out the back gate (the bread from Puiseaux is better, though).
A field of coquelicots (Papaver rhoeas), Larchant, France.
Rocks, Foret de Larchant, France
Fireweed and moss.
Stay on the blue trail, and all will be well. Stray but one step off, and adventure may strike!
Wild strawberries, just waiting to be eaten!
Alley, Puiseaux, France
The Farmers’ Market in Puiseaux
A minimalist landscape in Avrilmont, France
A drive through the woods on a rainy day
Scents of pine, dripping water, muted colors of a rainy day in the woods near Larchant.
The forest glistens with raindrops.
A storm clears over the fields
In the early season, young tomato vines must be kept warm
Wall detail, next to gate.
Water lilies, Essonne river
Honeysuckle flowers
Avrilmont, from across the pond
Irises in field, Avrilmont, France
The road goes ever on and on…
Published by mike
Mike is a licensed landscape architect. He's also an artist, photographer and occasional chef. Luciole Design specializes in sustainable, contemporary, modern landscape design - and traditional landscape styles that fit into California's Mediterranean climate. Sacramento, California.
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