Hike in the protected upper valley of the River Clarée in the Alpes-de-Haut-Provence on the border between France and Italy. This upper tributary of the Durance has avoided exploitation because of its remoteness, lack of viable downhill skiing and insignificance as a trans-Alpine route.
The clarity of the air and water is pretty and appealing - the name of the river (Clarée) means clear. or clarity.
But the mountain sheep have already been rounded up and taken down the valley six weeks earlier than usual as the grass has not recovered from this summer’s drought. Dung beetles remain and comparatively few marmottes, though we spotted more here than we have anywhere else recently. And humans.
Photography Statement
A wonderful wonderful photographic hike, every way I looked there were marvellous sights so my record of this hike goes beyond a single photographic genre.
I start with traditional landscape photography and contemporary landscape photography then widen to include the animals who tramp this scenically stunning valley.
So this set is longer than the traditional dozen but I think the length is worthwhile to give a sense of place of this wonderful valley and my response on this gorgeous day there. “Let me take you on a journey!”
Images presented in hike order apart from the lead image
