Nature photographer Renaud Dengreville takes viewers on an intimate journey through the pristine forests of Aubrac in the Lozère region of southern France, showcasing a landscape that has evolved from ancient algae and ferns into today's magnificent woodland sanctuary. His photographic work captures the essence of this elevated terrain, which sits at an average altitude of 1,100 meters and represents what he considers his childhood refuge.
The Aubrac region, now unified under a Regional Natural Park that celebrates its unique geographical and cultural identity, derives its name from "Alto Braco," meaning a high, elevated, and humid place. Located in the Occitanie region of Lozère, this area offers what Dengreville describes as "marketable beauty across all four seasons." His deep appreciation for seasonal changes stems from years of observing the subtle transformations that occur in this mountainous landscape throughout the year.
Dengreville's connection to trees runs deeper than mere artistic inspiration. His father worked as a wood craftsman and later managed a sawmill, exposing the young photographer to the timber industry from an early age. However, witnessing massive beech trunks lying cut down on industrial lots as a child created a profound impact that redirected his focus toward living, standing trees reaching toward the sky. This childhood experience shaped his philosophy of celebrating trees in their natural, vertical state rather than as processed materials.
The photographer demonstrates a particular affinity for the forest's hidden corners and secret places, finding beauty in the interplay of sunlight filtering through shaded trails. His work encompasses all weather conditions and seasons, from snow-covered winter landscapes to the emergence of spring growth. Dengreville's photographs capture the wind's effects on the forest and document the area's diverse wildlife, including foxes, deer, and the cascading waterfalls that flow through the woodland.
Radio host Denis Cheissoux, who accompanied Dengreville on this forest exploration, describes the journey from the high grasslands of Lozère—described as "an horizon of grass at the edge of the sky"—into the depths of the forest itself. They traveled along the scenic winding route from Bonnecombe Pass to Nasbinals, where Dengreville revealed the secret world hidden within the forest canopy. This ancient woodland existed long before the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route crossed through the region.
Dengreville has documented his extensive work in the Aubrac region through several published books, including "Souffle d'Aubrac" (Breath of Aubrac), "Une France sauvage, l'Aubrac" (A Wild France, the Aubrac), and "Intime et secrète forêt de l'Aubrac" (Intimate and Secret Forest of Aubrac). These publications showcase his dedication to preserving the visual heritage of this remarkable French wilderness area through his distinctive photographic perspective.
