Exploring France - latest vlogs

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Julian Elliott

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Julian Elliott
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Evening all

Due to the continuing lockdown everywhere and the major restrictions on travel I've been getting out there and vlogging various parts of France.

Yesterday the weather was atrocious so I captured some of the beautiful Gothic architecture that we have here in central France.

 
I found the tutorial thoroughly entertaining and educational, Julian....thanks for putting it together.
Bob
 
Was out and about again yesterday this time in France’s least visited department.

The Creuse is in south central France. A very rural area which consistently shows that it gets the least amount of visitors. A shame really because certainly if you’re a photographer it’s got a lot to offer!

The weather didn’t place too nice yesterday but that’s not a problem. I’ve got plans to go back as soon as a I can.

In the meantime here’s a little of what I did:

 
Afternoon all

On Saturday I went back down to Charente as the weather was excellent! The vineyards had also, in places, started to take on those gorgeous yellows.

Now I don't have time to vlog everything that I'm doing but hopefully people are getting an idea that France is extremely under-represented in landscape photography terms.

 
I should be happy to help change that if I get a chance to visit in the future. [emoji846]
 
Evening all.

Was able to get out at the weekend and film this. It would of course been nice to have a great end to the day but it just wasn't to be.

Still you're going to see a range of things here as well as a location previously visited and how it was done better both the other day and a couple of years ago.

 
You know, sometimes you go out and the spark just is not there. People very often think that being a professional photographer is all fun and games. That all you do is just take photos all day.

The other day started well for me. It was nice to be out but by midday I had lost the spark. I miss traveling. I miss meeting like minded people who are also traveling.

Hopefully though we can all get back to normal soon.

 
Thanks for keeping us updated, I am watching your channel on large TV, it's nice to see France at a time of year most of us wouldn't visit anyway.
 
4wd said:
Thanks for keeping us updated, I am watching your channel on large TV, it's nice to see France at a time of year most of us wouldn't visit anyway.
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Thanks @4wd! There is so much here to do. The other day I kind of struggled just because I kind of what out of the country for a bit. It's been a very very long time since I actually spent so much time in France. In fact I don't think I've ever spent this many months in the country!!!

I did notice frosty weather on the way so it'll be interesting what that brings. I've found a ruined castle about 25 minutes or so up the road from me so at the weekend I'm going to investigate it as well as a few other things.
 
You did sound tired Julian - I had assumed France was home for you, even if you're English, but maybe that's not the case. I know that sometimes we all just need a break and a change.
 
4wd said:
I can only view them at 720p or 1080 on a good day but the quality is superb for youtube
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That's good to know @4wd! All I use for vlogging is

GoPro Hero 8 - the main sequences
DJI Mavic 2 Pro - b-roll
Canon 5D Mark IV - b-roll usually the end part
Tascam recorder for the voice

Something I decided on a couple of months ago is to dispense with b-roll in the main vlog in terms of setting up a camera and walking past it. I find it wastes far too much time when I could be getting other stuff. It seems to have gone unnoticed and certainly subscribers are on the way up.
 
ancient_mariner said:
You did sound tired Julian - I had assumed France was home for you, even if you're English, but maybe that's not the case. I know that sometimes we all just need a break and a change.
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It is indeed home and has been for 10 years now. I'd really like to be traveling again because as mentioned above I have never spent this long i the country.

Sadly I do have to travel soon as my gran passed away the day I filmed the vlog although I didn't find that out until later on in the day.

Strangely enough, just after I had finished filming I came across an information board about the local writer Balzac. It gave me some inspiration for my next vlog so you'll see that on Monday :)
 
ancient_mariner said:
Sorry to hear that Julian, it's tough losing someone important.
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Thanks for that. At time of writing I'm awaiting to hear from my mum as to when we have to go for that inevitable day. The thing I look at is my gran had a good life and a good husband. That's what is important :)
 
Afternoon all

Had a thought the other day to show some of the many castles here in my area. There are about 140 just in the department that I live in here in central France. Not all are publicly accessible though. But here's three to start with that once we can start traveling again can go on the list.

 
Julian Elliott said:
Latest vlog is up. After feeling extremely fed up last week I managed to get my head back into gear again. Today's vlog centres around the famous french write Honoré de Balzac.
Take a look at some of the places he wrote about in the 19th century.

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"What is that behind me? That is where the eye of Sauron used to be". ;)
 
Thanks for posting these :)

As a confirmed Francophile its good to get my fix somehow !

We were supposed to go to Southern Burgundy in June but obviously that didn't happen but hopefully we will make it in 2021 !

Just the most varied and beautiful country - envious of anyone who can spend time there !
 
justa1972 said:
Thanks for posting these :)

As a confirmed Francophile its good to get my fix somehow !

We were supposed to go to Southern Burgundy in June but obviously that didn't happen but hopefully we will make it in 2021 !

Just the most varied and beautiful country - envious of anyone who can spend time there !
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Thanks for that Justin! Ah, Bugundy. Now THAT is my favourite region in France. Full of full stuff :D

My unbroken of most time spent here ends on Saturday when I fly to the UK for a couple of weeks. Then back to France in late December. But you're going to see three more vlogs on the Loire castles as I have been busting a gut to get them done.

I was hoping to get two more done but the weather is rubbish today which trying tomorrow and Friday.
 
I thought almost ALL of France was bursting with stuff (apart from the pas de Calais, which is flat, grey and barely even industrial). [emoji6] I do miss the Loire rather, though I've liked every part I've been to.
 
ancient_mariner said:
I thought almost ALL of France was bursting with stuff (apart from the pas de Calais, which is flat, grey and barely even industrial). [emoji6] I do miss the Loire rather, though I've liked every part I've been to.
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There is absolutely TONS of stuff here and I've never understood why it doesn't get photographed more often. Just yesterday I came across the craziest old building that was a cross between a manor house and a church. Turns out that's exactly what it was. It's been noted and will likely feature some time in the future.
 
I love France, and I love reflections. Never managed to get as many castles done when I am there as I want the still days to reflect them.

I love the Pyrenees and Alps more than anything though. For landscapes France is a several notches above the UK IMHO.
 
SFTPhotography said:
I love France, and I love reflections. Never managed to get as many castles done when I am there as I want the still days to reflect them.

I love the Pyrenees and Alps more than anything though. For landscapes France is a several notches above the UK IMHO.
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I would say that there is some truth in that. The two things that the UK has over France:

1) Things are closer together

2) It doesn't cost a fortune if you need the motorway
 
Julian Elliott said:
I would say that there is some truth in that. The two things that the UK has over France:

1) Things are closer together

2) It doesn't cost a fortune if you need the motorway
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1) a little bit
2) true..but 130k limit over 110k limit, better road surfaces (quieter so less road noise) and less traffic make driving on the autoroute a superior driving experience to the UK one. Driving between say Chamonix and Gavarnie, maybe 7hrs on the autoroute - all smooth, quiet and lovely. Up here say between me and Skye, 3hrs-30 mins of horrible bendy road bumpy narrow roads. Give me France....please :D
 
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Some more castles for you all to add to your list if you visit the Loire Valley and surrounding area.

In the department of Indre-et-Loire there are about 144 castles that are registered as historic monuments. Not all are able to be visited and remain behind high walls.

Hopefully this vlog and the ones coming up will show you there's more to this place than your Chambord's and Chenonceaux

 
Julian Elliott said:
That is absolutely the crucial difference. You definitely know why you've paid to be on the motorway. Much much better driving experience for sure and that I cannot argue with. Even my Dad who isn't a fan of the country always says that the roads here are good.
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Last time I was in France (about 8-9 years ago) we flew into Bordeaux & then drove a couple of hours south. Using the A63, when the roads were empty the French drivers showed excellent lane discipline, but when traffic reached typical English densities they changed and drove just like the Brits, hogging the outside lane & refusing to use the centre and inside lanes. I was quite astonished at the time, as well as a little frustrated. Perhaps it's the region, but this behaviour was reproduced several times on peage.

But motorway driving can be pleasant on English roads too - the M6 toll is generally really good for similar reasons to peage sections.

Chateau de Boozy? :LOL: That's a completely lovely cement mixer too. :naughty: :)
 
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ancient_mariner said:
Last time I was in France (about 8-9 years ago) we flew into Bordeaux & then drove a couple of hours south. Using the A63, when the roads were empty the French drivers showed excellent lane discipline, but when traffic reached typical English densities they changed and drove just like the Brits, hogging the outside lane & refusing to use the centre and inside lanes. I was quite astonished at the time, as well as a little frustrated. Perhaps it's the region, but this behaviour was reproduced several times on peage.

But motorway driving can be pleasant on English roads too - the M6 toll is generally really good for similar reasons to peage sections.

Chateau de Boozy? :LOL: That's a completely lovely cement mixer too. :naughty: :)
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Most of the French autoroute is 2 lane carriageway and they tend to be better at lanes than us. Still nothing like sitting on a cars bumper with the indicator on and the lights flashing to move them out the way. I learned that over there and it is a great technique to remind people what lane they should be in :D

In the UK most motorway network is 3 lane, and more congested and the lane discipline is dreadful which is why I have RSI from flashing my lights all the time.

I always use the toll sections in France, not just because I prefer driving on motorways to bendy roads but they do offer something UK motorways don't. Silence. They use a much better surface so the ride is smoother, quieter than any UK road. Some appreciate this, some don't. I appreciate it. Only time I enjoy UK motorway's is at night.

Still the French have a very strict rules on speeding, you get a higher limit there (81mph) but stray over a bit and you get a fine. I got a ticket for driving 131km/hr in a 130 km/hr limit and also for going 140km/hr in a 130 km/hr zone. Thats 82mph in an 81mph and 87mph in an 81mph in our units. Doubt that would trigger a mobile trap or dibble in a car.
 
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French driving. Where do you start ;) Roundabouts are a bug bear as they haven't a clue. And they need to start using box junctions too as they tend to clog up the roundabouts.

If they see a road blocked sign that's an indication to go straight on.

The french police are definitely VERY strict on speeding and Steve is on the money getting a fine for being over the limit. Just 1kmh and you have a fine.

If you see a sign that says there is a speed camera. There IS a speed camera. It may not be straight away but it'll be there and often put in such a way you don't see it until the last minute. The police apparently have unmarked cars where the number plate flips down and has a camera behind it. They'll also hide behind bushes and you'll have no idea until you get a ticket.
 
Julian Elliott said:
French driving. Where do you start ;) Roundabouts are a bug bear as they haven't a clue. And they need to start using box junctions too as they tend to clog up the roundabouts.

If they see a road blocked sign that's an indication to go straight on.

The french police are definitely VERY strict on speeding and Steve is on the money getting a fine for being over the limit. Just 1kmh and you have a fine.

If you see a sign that says there is a speed camera. There IS a speed camera. It may not be straight away but it'll be there and often put in such a way you don't see it until the last minute. The police apparently have unmarked cars where the number plate flips down and has a camera behind it. They'll also hide behind bushes and you'll have no idea until you get a ticket.
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They don't light up their round abouts at night. Here we do. We also light up motorway junctions and our motorways tend to be better graded and have longer sight distances. If we surfaced them like the French they'd be a lot better. Despite our lower speed limit in terms of grading and sight distances our network is actually more suitable for very high speed driving.

That aside I missed France a lot this year and I will watch your videos later
 
My first trip to France was in '91 or '92 driving overnight Caen to Biarritz on RN roads (we couldn't afford the peage) and were able to travel 'quickly' through sleeping villages and quite rapidly outside. I suspect that we would not be welcome to travel like that any more, even if we were still driving the Citroen CX we had then.
 
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