Acclaimed French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, best known for his aerial masterpiece "The Earth from Above," is shifting his focus from sky to ground with an ambitious new project celebrating the human spirit of France. The photographer has simultaneously released a book, opened an exhibition, and premiered a documentary film, all sharing the same powerful material: portraits of a happy and fraternal France captured over two years as a deliberate response to narratives of a divided nation.
The triple release includes "France, Family Album," a book published by Actes Sud, an exhibition at Paris City Hall running until November 2nd, and the documentary "France, A Love Story," hitting theaters on November 5th. For this comprehensive project, Arthus-Bertrand traveled across France with his mobile studio, setting up in 80 different locations to photograph ordinary citizens in extraordinary moments of connection.
"We asked people to come with their families, with their colleagues, and all of this created a sort of bubble of love," explains the photographer. "What we experienced in this studio is the exact opposite of what we see in the National Assembly: these are people who extend their hands to each other and people who love each other." This approach represents Arthus-Bertrand's deliberate effort to counter the violence and division he can no longer tolerate in contemporary society.
For the nearly 80-year-old photographer, this project showcases a different reality of modern France that he believes deserves recognition. "There is a sympathetic, generous France, proud of what it does. This is the one I want to show," he declares with conviction. When critics suggest his approach might be naive or that good feelings don't drive progress, Arthus-Bertrand remains defiant: "I don't care at all! There are 20 million volunteers in this country, they are the backbone of France. I admire them."
The exhibition at Paris City Hall displays these photographs like paintings in a castle, occupying the prestigious honor halls of the municipal building. Among the collection, Arthus-Bertrand holds particular fondness for an unprecedented family portrait taken in prison, featuring female inmates alongside their guards. "I wanted to do social work, the director told me, and I did it," he recalls, highlighting his commitment to making visible those who are often invisible in society.
This project also represents the work of a man approaching his 80th birthday, who has never forgotten a profound encounter in Madagascar. When he asked a woman there about her dream, "She thought about it and told me, 'I want to die with a smile.' Me, will I succeed in dying with a smile? In any case, I'm going to do my best to do good around me." This philosophy of doing good by filming and photographing those who act well has become Arthus-Bertrand's successful mission.
The photographer's latest endeavor demonstrates his evolution from documenting the planet from above to celebrating humanity from ground level, offering an intimate portrait of French society that emphasizes connection over division, love over conflict, and hope over despair. Through his lens, Arthus-Bertrand presents a France that extends beyond political rhetoric to showcase the fundamental goodness he believes exists within its people.
