Festival of Photography - La Gacilly

Every year the town of La Gacilly holds a wonderful 

photographic exhibition.

Much of the work is by photographers of world renown.

The theme is normally related to peoples of the world and what

influence we have on each other and what effects we have on the earth.

The photographs are all displayed in the open air in the town of La Gacilly.

Mr P and I went there just over a week ago and the autumn sunshine threw
 the shadows of the leaves onto the photographs.

One is continually reminded of the differences in our lives and environments.
The house in the photograph below is really built from throw away pieces but it provides some shelter.

Then we move to a city were so much is excess - including a golf range looking across the towering sky scrapers.

Contrast with the photograph below which is of a 22 storey apartment block in Sao Paulo which was the largest squat in South America - it housed 750 families.
The building is now empty and all those families have had to find somewhere else to live.
Many remain on the streets.






There is a set of photographs about the gorillas - our nearest relative.

There photographs are mounted on the side of the Yves Rocher information centre.

Below are a collection of some more of the photographs that I loved.

In my next post I'll tell you about the link with the worldwide Yves Rocher beauty company and the little town of La Gacilly.

Nature is just amazing!!

There are occasions when words are not needed.

One of the prettiest villages in France - Moncontour.

Last week after we'd visited Manoir de Beaugard we went on to Moncontour.

The small town dates back to medieval times and sits on a hill protected by its walls.

It has recently joined the list of one of the prettiest in France.

One of the old gates in the walls.

Every two years there is a medieval festival

 which really is wonderful.

People come from everywhere to watch the procession through the town and also too see all the other displays like jousting.

The next festival is in 2013.

Local children dressed as beggars at the festival.

Stilt walkers in amazing costumes.

Knights riding through the town after the jousting.

In September the town becomes more peaceful and there is a chance to take photographs more easily.

 The shops all carry medieval signs so they fit in with the medieval feel of the town.

The church bell tower looking so good against the blue September sky.

Flowers everywhere give the pretty town such charm.

The facade of this house is very unusual with its terracota pillars .
It once belonged to a wealthy merchant.

This old house below is for sale but needs a lot of work and didn't seem to get much sunshine but the details on it are just wonderful.

Just love the man on his horse on this roof - I think they are to protect the house from lightning.

Lots of niches with holy statues to protect the houses.

Carved detail on the wall of an old house.

I

Typical of the area - this blue paint.

If you ever get the chance to go to Moncontour in Brittany you'll not be disappointed.

Chateau du Bogard.

On Thursday we went to the Chateau du Bogard.

The Chateau goes back to the 15th Century but the present building goes back to just after the French Revolution.

We were lucky to have a lovely sunny day and to be taken round by the owner
who has lived there for over 50 years.

The well at the front of the house.

The view from the back of the manoir.

These two oak trees were planted together to mark a marriage.
Over the many years they have grown together to make one trunk.

One of a pair of door knockers.

Little secret part of the garden.

Carving above an old fireplace.

Part of the mechanism that works the spit.

Part of the buildings used for events.

Rosehips against the old walls.

The family dog who followed us everywhere.

More photographs from the Biozone Fair.

So, here we go with the second part of photographs from the Biozone .

Some amazing handmade hats.

Handmade pillows and fleece mattress.

Just loved this poster for an association that produces art whilst
going walking.

Lime washes on top of lime render.

Lime renders containing straw for insulation.

A tiny little beehive.

A selection of handmade shoes and sandals.

This little one was just happy playing with the gravel.

I was lucky to capture his lovely half smile.

Oils and other products made from hemp.

More hemp products.

Beautiful chillies which I bought.

The chillies hanging in the garden, soon they'll be made into sweet chilli sauce.