Autumn in Couserans

Meet Philippe Roques, an autumn enthusiast in Couserans

PASSIONATE ABOUT MOUNTAINS AND COUSERANS, PHILIPPE LIVES IN PARIS AND RETURNS TO COUSERANS REGULARLY, TO HIS CHILDHOOD HOME IN SEIX, AND TO "HIS VALLEY": HIS LIFE-SIZE PHOTO STUDIO!

Hello Philippe, tell me, how long ago did you discover Couserans?

I've been coming here for years. It's almost as if I were a native of the region. My father had a house in the village of Seix, and ever since, it's been a pleasure to be able to bring his children here and continue the tradition.

You are a big fan of hiking but also of photography I think?

I've always loved hiking, but photography is more recent. I realized that the Couserans region, which I loved for hiking, for escape, for vacations, was rich in landscapes, climatic phenomena, and unique sites, and I realized how lucky I was to be based in the region and to photograph all of that.

I understand there's one season you find pretty amazing? Can you tell me more about it?

It's autumn... It's a perfect season for photography. The cliché of a magical autumn is Canada. Well, I had the opportunity to go there, and I find that the Couserans is at the same level! It's remarkable! The nuances of color that we can have are incredible. There are varieties of tree species that give breathtaking tones. It's exceptional, really. We see fantastic skies, clouds, the morning mist, everything that contributes to a climate and an atmosphere... that you can transcribe in a photo!

A moment to share with us in particular?

This year I really experienced the transition to autumn. In two days, all the leaves change color at the same time, it's incredible! And it fascinated me to see how nature synchronizes itself. As a result, the photos I took two days before were already out of date (laughs).

Do you have any places to share with us that you find even more spectacular?

The Guzet pond is magnificent, with the reflection of the lights as well as the fir trees surrounding the lake. There is also the climb to the Col de la Core, from the village of Seix, which is sublime. And finally, the paths that go to the Ars waterfall, there too you have tones in the forest, it gives nuances, a patchwork of exceptional colors.

Any advice for our readers on how to take great photos this season?

It's built. What time does the sun set in the evening, what time does it rise, what the weather will be like. You have to work on many dimensions to be able to combine them and create the moment when you're going to take your photo. The best moments are at the beginning or end of the day, with raking light, the landscape wakes up or goes to sleep and the reliefs become more accentuated, which gives more depth to the photo.

You too, use #couseranspyrenees on social media!

If you want to follow Philippe's adventures, follow him on Instagram ! @garyphr