Black and white film photograph of a family cycling away along a sunlit forest track, Forêt de Grasla, Vendée.

Half Deaf in the Forêt de Grasla

A roll of 100 ASA in the Pentax ME Super, finished in the Forêt de Grasla. Frogs, toads, a wolf spider, and a stopped-down lens. Film photography in the Vendée, April 2026.

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AI-generated illustration of a quaint French courtyard in the evening, companion image for the Bastille Day 2025 article, IJM Photography

Back to Hell’s Belz

Welcome to Back to Hell’s Belz — a heartfelt tale of family, hearing aids, and last-minute rescues in coastal Brittany. Amid apéros, fireworks, and a faulty plan, our narrator navigates familial chaos with humor and warmth. From deafness to shrimps and Kir, it’s a story of love, resilience, and the joy of being gloriously imperfect together.

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The Opening of the Film Archives—Clisson, September 2016

In this latest film archives installment, we return to Clisson with the familiar Canon AE1 and HP5 Plus from Ilford. Clisson, a town renowned for its Italian-influenced architecture and market, offers picturesque options for exploration. The writer shares a departure from routine, finding serenity and contentment in the charming Quartier St Jacques.

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Has Spring sprung, or is it just springing?

In a rainy corner of France, the downpour has been relentless since February, as if someone invoked the heavens for blessings. Despite the gloom, signs of spring emerge with blooming blackthorn bushes and daffodils. Optimism fills the air, signaling the approaching change of season. Amidst the rain, photography and the poetic melancholy it brings offer a different kind of beauty.

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A Day at Château de la Preuille: A Tale of Heritage, Friendship, and Unexpected Adventures

The story unfolds at Château de la Preuille under the skies of Saint Hilaire de Loulay, featuring heritage, friendship, and unexpected adventures. The château unveiled its history during the Journées de Patrimoine 2023, offering rare glimpses into its past. The day brought reunions, delightful discoveries, and a reminder of the power of connection, culminating in a celebration of heritage, friendship, and new beginnings. For those enchanted by the photographs, staying at the castle, which is popular for weddings, is a possibility worth considering.

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Clisson

Have you ever come across the articles named “The 10 Prettiest Villages in France,” “The 10 Prettiest Villages in Yorkshire,” “The 10 Prettiest Villages in Northumberland,” or “Some…

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Bourrée ou Macé?

Initially, the author planned to visit a Loire Valley castle but opted to rest instead. After waking without brain fog, they attempted to visit Chateau de Plessis Bourée, only to find it closed. They explored the more accessible Chateau de Plessis Macé, learning its historical significance while capturing exterior photos before making future visit plans.

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