Spring

Rencontres d'Arles Photography Festival

Every Summer since 1970, the city or Arles in Provence, hosts the Rencontres d'Arles Photography Festival. My daughter and I escape there for a few days of culture, dining, conversation and inspiration.

The city is full of exquisite architecture, hidden streets and unassuming buildings that allow glimpses of past splendour, wonderful open squares full of cooling plane trees where people gather to natter and drink endless coffee and glasses of wine. The city is bathed in a warming glow, an incandescent light that inspired Van Gogh to live and work there. What is most impressive however, is Arles Conseil Municipal has been open minded enough to identify hidden and vacant buildings throughout the city, and turn them in to the most inspiring and surprising gallery spaces. Each and every one of the individual exhibitions is a true work of art, curated with care and pride.

This set of photos isn't just about the festival, but try and capture my personal perspective of what Arles is about, its laid back and open attitude, its welcoming embrace, and its own unique way of bringing everyone together.