Bavarian Alps

The images below were recorded on a quick trip to the Bavarian Alps, Germany in 2007 and are new to the blog.

Königssee is a lake located in southern Germany, in the region of the Bavarian Alps.



The lake is the third deepest in Germany and has a length of almost 8 km.



The lake is known for its clear waters. The region around the lake is very popular and visited by many tourists.



The region, surrounded by mountains, is situated in the National Park of Berchtesgaden, near the border of Austria and the city of Salzburg, Austria.



The town nearest to the park is Berchtesgaden.



Berchtesgaden is often associated with mountain Watzmann, the third highest in Germany with 2713 meters of altitude.

Happy New Year!

I thank all the readers who have accompanied me during 2011.

As the last photograph of the year, I present an image of the most beautiful city that I have ever photographed in my life:


For 2012, I am planning two photographic excursions: to the United States and to Portugal!

I wish you all a Happy New Year!

Images of the Loire Valley - 3

Palace of Cheverny

The Palace of Cheverny is located in the municipality of Cheverny, Loir-et-Cher, France.



The palace, built in the early 17th century, is one of the most beautiful of the Loire Valley.



Hergé, the creator of the Tintin stories, was inspired by the architecture of this palace to create the fictional Palace of Moulinsart.



A visit to the various localities of the Loire Valley and its palaces brings the certainty of recording beautiful images.

Images of the Loire Valley - 2

Palace of Chenonceau

The Palace of Chenonceau is located in the small village of Chenonceaux, Indre-et-Loire, France, and was built across the River Cher at the site of an old mill.



Built in the early 16th century, the palace housed kings, queens, mistresses of kings and families of the French nobility until the mid 19th century.



During the First World War, part of the palace was used as a hospital.



In the interior of the palace we can see historic furniture and works of art.



Gardens designed in the 16th century are situated near the palace and are protected from the floodings of the River Cher by elevated terraces.



The Palace of Chenonceau is one of the main attractions of the Loire Valley and an excellent subject for architectural photography.

Images of the Loire Valley - 1

Palace of Chambord

The Palace of Chambord at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France, is one of the world's most recognizable palace for its French Renaissance style.



The largest palace in the Loire Valley was built by King François I. Construction began in 1519 and lasted 20 years.



The palace was not designed to provide protection for the occupants, consequently the walls and towers are merely decorative.



The many towers of the palace of Chambord are often compared to the skyline of a city. There are eleven kinds of towers and three types of chimneys, not symmetrical, limited by large towers at the four corners of the palace.



The palace is amidst an area of ​​52 km2 of wooded park surrounded by a wall 31 km long.



A remarkable architectural feature is the double-helix staircase in the center of the palace. The two helixes ascend the three floors without ever meeting. The staircase is illuminated from above by a light source at the highest point of the palace.



The palace has 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases.



The Palace of Chambord is now a major tourist attraction of France and an excellent subject for architectural photography.