Architecture | Russ Bishop Photography

December 8, 2015March 8, 2018

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of France’s most recognizable landmarks. Known as the “Wonder of the Western World”, this island fortress was built in ancient times and since the 8th century has been the seat of the monastery for which it is named.

Perched on a rocky islet at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches, the island is just 600 meters from shore. This unique location made it accessible at low tide to the many pilgrims to its abbey, but also provided an excellent defense against invasion. Through the ages, the Mont remained unconquered even during the Hundred Years’ War.

During the French Revolution the abbey was closed and converted into a prison, but influential figures including Victor Hugo launched a campaign to restore this national architectural treasure to its former glory. The prison was finally closed in 1863, and the mount was declared a national historic monument in 1874.

Throughout the centuries, the abbey became a renowned centre of learning and attracted some of the greatest minds in Europe. Today Mont Saint-Michel has a population of just 44 permanent residents, but is visited by over 3 million tourists each year.

The winding cobblestone streets and fascinating architecture of this medieval town still lead to the Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael at the islands apex, But the pilgrims now come to enjoy the fine dining and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, and ponder the rich history within these walls.

August 1, 2013August 6, 2019

The Louvre Museum

Louvre Palace and Pyramid at night, Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Paris is known the world over as The City of Light and rightfully so. When the sun goes down on La Ville-Lumière, the classic monuments and cobblestone boulevards of this vibrant city take on an entirely new appearance.

Many may not realize that its name first referred to its fame as a centre of education and ideas during the Age of Enlightenment, and later to its early adoption of street lighting. During the second half of the 19th century Emperor Napoleon III transformed Paris into a modern city, tearing down entire sections dating back to the Middle Ages, and opening large avenues which let light into the former mediaeval city.

The Louvre Museum is a showpiece not only of some of the world’s finest art, but of Paris after dark. With more than 8 million visitors each year it is the world’s most visited museum, and houses nearly 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century.

Built in the 12th century, the Louvre has been transformed through the ages from a fortress, to a royal palace, an artist’s residence, and finally to its present role as a bastion of the art world. It’s modern glass pyramid, created in 1989 by architect I. M. Pei, is a fascinating design that bridges the gap from the old world to the new. And the golden glow from its reflecting pools is enough to make the Mona Lisa smile.

June 2, 2011November 6, 2015

City of Light

Known universally as the City of Light or La Ville-Lumière, Paris is the quintessential European city and a photographic delicacy. The crowds and chaos of the big city were a dramatic change from my usual subject matter, but the lure of its grand architecture bathed in golden light was constant visual treat.