Not every day is a ski day in the French Alps, especially when you are as injury-prone as me. A few weeks ago, on a much needed day off, a group of us headed to the small commune of Moûtiers, for a spot of lunch and some sightseeing.
This photo essay is a bit of departure from the norm for me. There are no epic landscapes, no sweeping vistas and not a mountain or patch of snow in sight. This is a quick snapshot of the doors and windows of Moûtiers.
Moûtiers: Moûtiers is a charming little commune in the Savoie region of the French Alps. The small town is full of colourful and interesting buildings. This hotel caught my eye thanks to the distinctive mural. Photograph details:
Moûtiers: This colourful doorway would not be out of place in Central America. If anyone is interested in purchasing a print, send me an email to mike@nomadsontheroad.com. This photograph was taken using an Olympus OMD-EM5.
Moûtiers: The weather-beaten buildings have stood the test of time. Moûtiers is the access point for the Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys) ski area. Photograph details: 1/80 sec, F5.6, ISO400, 40mm. This photograph is available to buy here.
Moûtiers: The cracks in the walls, the battered down. Moûtiers is a town full of character.
Moûtiers: The crooked shutters hang precautiously, but you get the feeling they’ve not budged in years.
Archana Singh says
Crisp post. Good pictures. Would have really loved if you could have shared a bit more information.
Mike Cotton says
Hey Archana, thanks for the comment. I will revisit the post and add more information.
Indrani says
Love the old feel in these pictures. I love to loiter around the old streets of cities of Europe. You get such quirky stuffs to photograph.
Mike Cotton says
Hi Indrani, thanks for the comment. I agree, the quirky nature of Europe’s old towns and cities is a great attraction.
sophie says
Thank god! I have been searching for places like this as well. Even I am not a skiing person. The photos you have shared looks amazing. city and the places look amazing from your lenses. Thanks for sharing this piece. I loved it! Cheers 🙂
Mike Cotton says
Thanks for the comment, Sophie.
Cat says
What a unique post! Can’t believe there’s such a stark difference in the design of doors and windows from house to house!
Mike Cotton says
Thanks, Cat. The difference from house to house was what stuck me.
Halef says
There’s something about door and window pictures that is attractive. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos. I have never heard this place before, but definitely will look it up the next time I go to the area!
Bell | Wanderlust Marriage says
Never heard of this place! Love off the beaten track spots and I hear you on not being the type to ski all the time! Nice to break it up some!
Sandy N Vyjay says
The photographs bring alive an old world charm so vividly and colourfuly. This place does not look like France and hence it is quite intriguing. The doors would tell some interesting stories if only they could speak.
joanna says
You have captured very well the old look of Moutiers, through it’s architecture. Even if there was no snow or mountain tops it still looks like a successful trip photography wise. I wonder what’s the story of the little town.
mags says
I love these photos. A beautiful doorway is better than skiing any day in my opinion.
Jackie Taylor says
I love how much character these photos have. I especially like the doorway photo! I would love to visit Moûtiers one day. 🙂
Suma - Tales of travelling sisters says
Love the concept of the post. Often while travelling we tend to overlook simple things like these doors and windows. Love how you captured them so beautifully! The first picture of the colourful doorway is very unique.
Danik says
I have never heard of this town in the Alps before. Looks totally amazing and loving your photography in this. If I am back in the area, I will try and stop of here.
Courtney Ferris says
Could you take a better picture of a door? Or find a better photo of a door? I think not! Excellent photos.
Baia Dzagnidze says
The pictures are so nice, it truly portrays the nature of Moutiers!