Discovering France Off the Beaten Path – A Personal Journey in late Fall and November
- Susanne Kremer
- Oct 5, 2024
- 5 min read
Paris, Castles, and Wine: A Last-Minute, Off-the-Beaten-Path Journey Through France I Never Expected
France is always magical, but experiencing it off the beaten path in November added a special touch to my spontaneous and unplanned journey. From the bustling streets of Paris to the quiet, fog-draped vineyards of Burgundy, each day brought surprises and beautiful moments that made this trip unforgettable. Let me take you along on this adventure, sharing the personal stories and images I captured along the way.
Paris in Late October – A Surprising Start to the Journey
My trip began at the end of October, flying from Miami to Paris on American Airlines. The flight was wonderful, and I was thrilled to land in Paris, where the weather was far warmer than I had expected for November. It felt like the city was welcoming me with open arms, ready to reveal its autumnal beauty.
One of my first photography spots was Montparnasse, where I captured the Eiffel Tower framed with vibrant fall foliage. I love this view because it shows the tower from a n aerial angle, with golden colors providing a unique mood to the steel structure. The magic of autumn in Paris continued at the Tuileries Garden, where locals and visitors alike enjoyed the crisp fall afternoon. There’s something so peaceful about watching people relax in a garden while the city buzzes around them. It was the perfect place to photograph the calm and joy that Paris in the fall brings.
A Café and Buci News Tour in Saint-Germain and an Unexpected Encounter
Saint-Germain is a treasure trove of Parisian culture, and I couldn't resist photographing some of the most iconic cafés in the area. Café Le Sévigné and Le Bonaparte, with their outdoor seating and charming atmosphere, were ideal spots for capturing the essence of Parisian café culture. As I walked through the cobblestone streets, taking photos of these beautiful scenes, I felt like I was capturing a timeless part of Paris.
But then, something completely unexpected happened. As I was walking back to my rented apartment in Saint-Germain, I passed by a small gallery – Yellow Corner Gallery . To my absolute surprise, Elliott Erwitt, one of the world’s greatest photographers, was announced inside doing a book signing! I couldn’t believe it – Elliott Erwitt, just steps away from my apartment! I had no idea this was going to happen, and it felt like fate that we stumbled upon this moment. I swear, it was completely unplanned! I couldn’t miss this opportunity, so I attended the signing and had the chance to meet one of the most famous street photography idols in person. This encounter was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of my Paris experience in November.
Photographing the Eiffel Tower with Fall Foliage and Exploring Paris at Night
After the excitement of the day, I focused on photographing the Eiffel Tower once again – this time with the fall foliage adding a golden frame to the iconic monument. The combination of nature and architecture is something I always find fascinating in photography, and Paris in autumn was just unbelievable.
After the sun set, I turned my lens towards the Musée Pompidou, capturing its modern architecture against the Paris night sky. The reflections of the city lights created a beautiful contrast, and the evening atmosphere was magical. I’ve always loved how Paris transforms at night, and the Pompidou, with its futuristic design, was the perfect subject to end the day.
Moving to the Loire Valley – Castles and Fall Splendor
Next, we traveled to the Loire Valley, where the beauty of fall followed us. Our first stop was Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture. I arrived just in time for the blue hour, when the fading daylight gives everything a soft, ethereal glow. The golden hues of the autumn leaves surrounded the château, making the scene even more magical. Light rain began to fall as the evening set in, but instead of dampening the mood, it added a romantic element to the moment.
We continued to Château Cheverny, another stunning castle, which I framed with fall foliage for a more intimate composition. The warm autumn colors brought out the elegance of the château’s classical design, and it was a pleasure to photograph such a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.
Our final stop in the Loire Valley was Château de Chenonceau, one of the most iconic castles in France. It stretches over the River Cher, and the reflections of its arches in the water made for a perfect photo opportunity. Even in late fall, the château’s beauty was undeniable, and I spent time soaking in the atmosphere and capturing the tranquility of the scene.
Burgundy – Unexpected Beauty in the Vineyards
Burgundy was the next destination, and while I hadn’t planned on photographing vineyards, they ended up being a highlight of the trip. November may not seem like the ideal time for vineyard photography, but I was greeted with a surprise – moody, fog-filled mornings that added an entirely new dimension to the landscape. The fog draped over the rolling hills of the vineyards, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene that was both peaceful and dramatic.
In Burgundy, we visited Clos Vougeot, where the vineyards seemed to stretch on forever. The autumn colors were still visible in the vines, contrasting beautifully with the misty morning atmosphere. The combination of fog and fall leaves made for some of my favorite photographs from the trip.
I also had the pleasure of visiting Beaune and Dijon, two historic cities with a rich culinary tradition. Burgundy is famous for its wines, and although I personally prefer Bordeaux, I couldn’t help but appreciate the delicious Burgundy wines we enjoyed along with their famous cheeses. The food and wine in Burgundy were beyond amazing, and it was a great way to end this leg of the journey.
An Unbelievable Discovery and the Journey Continues
Just when I thought the surprises had ended, I stumbled upon something that left me speechless. While walking past a magazine stand in Paris, I saw my own image on the cover of Geo France! It was an aerial photograph I had taken of New York that same year, and seeing it on the cover of a French magazine was a surreal experience. I had no idea it would be there, and it was such a proud and thrilling moment. These kinds of surprises are what make travel so special, reminding me that the unexpected is always just around the corner.
Ending in Cannes – A Relaxing Finale
Before concluding the trip, we made a brief stop in Cannes. Known for its glamorous film festival, Cannes had a much different vibe in November. The streets were quieter, and the atmosphere was more laid-back, which allowed me to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery at my own pace. The Mediterranean views were stunning, and though the temperatures had cooled, Cannes still exuded its signature charm.
Reflecting on My Fall Journey Through France
Looking back, this trip was filled with moments that reminded me why I love traveling and photographing off the beaten path. From the Eiffel Tower framed in autumn leaves to the mist-covered vineyards of Burgundy, France in November was full of unexpected beauty. I encourage anyone who wants to experience a quieter, more intimate side of France to consider traveling in the fall. You never know what surprises await – whether it’s stumbling upon your photography idol or seeing your work on a magazine cover!
Thank you for joining me on this journey! I hope my story inspires you to explore France and capture its magic for yourself off the beaten path. If you enjoyed this Story of my Journey, don’t forget to subscribe for more travel photography stories, journeys and behind-the-scenes stories from my adventures.
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Tags: #TravelPhotography #OffTheBeatenPath #FranceInFall #ParisInAutumn #LoireValley #Burgundy #ElliottErwitt #UnexpectedDiscoveries #FallTravel
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