Discovering the Poppy Fields of Milly-la-Forêt and the Château de Courances
One of the things I love most about photography is that it often turns an ordinary day into an unexpected adventure.
Recently, my husband and I decided to spend a day exploring the countryside south of Paris in search of a beautiful poppy field. After a bit of research and a scenic drive through the Essonne region, we finally found it near the DAREGAL facilities, just along the roadside close to Milly-la-Forêt.
The timing could not have been better. Hundreds of bright red poppies were blooming across the field, creating a striking contrast against the fresh green grain and the dramatic storm clouds gathering overhead. The changing weather added a unique atmosphere to the landscape, making every photograph feel different from the last.
I spent time capturing both wide landscape views and intimate details. Some images focus on the vast sea of red flowers stretching across the countryside, while others highlight a single poppy standing against the dark sky. I was also drawn to the texture of the wheat and the delicate details that are often overlooked when viewed from a distance.
After photographing the poppy field, we continued our journey to the beautiful Château de Courances.
Although the château itself is impressive, what truly captivated me was the park surrounding it. The estate features magnificent gardens, elegant waterways, centuries-old trees, carefully designed perspectives, and countless peaceful corners that seem untouched by time.
Walking through the grounds felt like moving from one photographic scene to another. Every pathway revealed a new composition: reflections in the water, sculpted greenery, historic architecture, and soft natural light filtering through the trees. It is the kind of place where photographers can easily spend hours searching for new angles and details.
What I enjoy most about locations like Courances is the balance between nature and design. The gardens are meticulously maintained, yet they still feel alive and natural. This harmony creates endless opportunities for storytelling through photography.
Days like this remind me why I became passionate about photography in the first place. Photography is not only about documenting a place; it is about preserving a feeling, an atmosphere, and a moment in time.
Alongside photography, I work professionally as a photo retoucher. My experience behind the camera helps me understand how an image should feel, while my retouching skills allow me to enhance photographs naturally without losing their authenticity. Whether I am working on landscapes, architecture, animals, portraits, or commercial projects, my goal is always the same: to create images that are both visually compelling and true to the original moment.
The poppy fields near Milly-la-Forêt and the extraordinary gardens of Château de Courances provided inspiration, beautiful memories, and a collection of photographs that I am excited to share.
Thank you for following along on this journey.
Photography and retouching by Zhanna Ognivo — Colorify Retouch.