On my recent trip to the Calvados district in northern France, I couldn’t help but stop by three charming villages: Cabourg, the city of the famous writer Marcel Proust; Houlgate; and Dives.
What captured my attention was the Grand Hôtel in Cabourg, facing the promenade with a view of the ocean. Large, of course, but adorned with magnificent architectural ornaments. My perspective was as wide as possible to match the grandeur of this historical landmark.
As astonishing as the hotel was, the medieval city was equally captivating. The beauty of the ruins easily transported me to an era and lifestyle long gone. Made of wood and brick, thoughtfully architected, I focused on capturing wide shots to take with me through time and space.
Wandering around the villages, I couldn’t help but notice the imposing cathedrals. Displayed like castles from the outside and convents from the inside, they cast an interesting interplay of shadows and light, highlighting remarkable statues and stained glass windows.
Back in modern times, under Norman influence, all the villas—mostly in Dives—were remarkably tinted by the specific Norman architectural design.
The weather was very bad despite the shy sun of July. Most of the time, I shot in low-light conditions. With the right camera settings and post-production on point, I was able to deliver top-notch photographs, showcasing French architecture in its best light.