A stunning new photography exhibition currently on display at the Alès Cultural Center captures the raw beauty and timeless spirit of the Cévennes National Park through the lens of acclaimed local photographer Philippe Rousseau. The collection, titled "Cévennes: Heartbeat of the Highlands," features sixty large-format prints that transport viewers into the misty mountains, secluded valleys, and traditional villages that define this UNESCO World Heritage site. The exhibition opened to critical acclaim last Thursday and runs through mid-August, drawing photography enthusiasts and nature lovers from across the Occitanie region and establishing itself as a must-see cultural event of the summer season.
Rousseau, a native of Alès who has spent the last fifteen years documenting the Cévennes, developed an intimate connection with the landscape during childhood hiking trips with his grandfather. His photographic journey began as a personal project to preserve memories of disappearing pastoral traditions but evolved into a comprehensive visual documentation of the park's ecosystem and communities. The photographer spent countless seasons trekking through remote areas, often camping for days to capture specific lighting conditions or traditional events. His dedication resulted in a body of work that environmentalists have praised for its artistic merit and conservation value, blending aesthetic excellence with environmental advocacy.
The exhibition organizes photographs into thematic sections exploring the four elements as they manifest in the Cévennes landscape. The "Stone and Silence" series showcases ancient granite formations and abandoned hamlets, while "Water's Journey" follows rivers and waterfalls through the changing seasons. Perhaps most compelling is the "Living Traditions" collection, which portrays shepherds, chestnut harvesters, and artisanal weavers continuing centuries-old practices. Rousseau's technical mastery is evident in his use of natural light, with many images captured during the magical blue hour or in challenging weather conditions that add dramatic atmosphere to the scenes and highlight the region's rugged character.
The Cévennes region holds special significance for the people of Alès, serving as both a recreational playground and a cultural touchstone that shapes local identity. The exhibition has resonated deeply with visitors, many of whom recognize specific peaks, trails, or village churches from their own experiences. Local historian Dr. Isabelle Moreau contributed exhibition text that provides historical context for the landscapes depicted, connecting the photographs to the area's Huguenot heritage and resistance history. School groups have been visiting daily, using the images as prompts for lessons in geography, ecology, and regional culture, making the exhibition an educational resource as well as an artistic showcase.
The Alès Cultural Center has extended its hours to accommodate the unexpected surge in attendance, with weekend viewings requiring timed-entry tickets to manage capacity. A companion photography workshop series taught by Rousseau sold out within hours of announcement, prompting organizers to add additional sessions. The exhibition catalog, featuring essays by conservation experts and reproductions of all sixty photographs, has become a local bestseller. Plans are underway for the collection to travel to Montpellier and Nîmes later this year, bringing the beauty of the Cévennes to broader audiences while supporting regional tourism initiatives and cultural exchange programs.
