Symbol of the Fribourg Pre-Alps

More than fifty mountains appear in this incredible black-and-white panoramic photograph. Our astonishing journey to the heart of the Alps begins in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. Opposite us, the kingdom of the Vanils. The appellation of summits in the Gruyère tradition. On the right, the Vanil Noir, the hero of the picture, culminates at 2389 metres in the nature reserve of the same name. The highest summit in the Fribourg Pre-Alps, it is accompanied by Vanil de l'Ecri and Pointe de Paray, which rise to 2376 and 2374 metres respectively. The alignment of these three summits gives them the appearance of an inaccessible fortress dominating an infinite horizon. Shot after shot, the view of the Alps is breathtaking.

Flying over the Vaud Pre-Alps, we reach the famous Mont Blanc on the left. To the left, the Aiguille Verte and Les Drus. To the right, the distinctive summit des Dents du Midi. To the right, Mont d'Or, Tour d'Aï and Tour de Mayen. To the right of the photograph, our gaze escapes to the highest summits of the Chablais region. Mont de Grange culminates above the Châtel estate. The Cornettes de Bise, the Dent d'Oche and the Château d'Oche follow. The panorama is sumptuous.

In love with the verticality of rocks and eternal snows, I've been looking for the perfect moment for a long time. That moment when I would be able to transcribe the sensations of celestial heights onto a medium-format mountain photograph. On this winter's day in 2021, a heavy snowfall blanketed the Vanils. As the storm receded, a sea of clouds washed over the region, leaving only summits to emerge. Displaying its incredible beauty in the sun's rays, the Vanil Noir appeared in majesty. At last, I could immortalize the splendor of this transformed landscape. Grandiose and titanic, the Vanils offered themselves to me. Marvellous mountains rising out of the mist, this photograph is a tribute to you.