One of the avenues in Versailles is bordered by matching rows of ancient trees. Whether by nature or design I cannot tell, but the upper branches all bend toward the centre of the avenue and form a glorious cathedral. So strangely empty this wonderful walkway and yet it felt as though the ghosts of the past still passed through to some long forgotten pleasure ground.
Could I hear the rustle of panniers, the rattle of sabres? Was that the sound of two world weary Comtes about to sever the thread of one of their dissipated lives in a duel, the laugh of Madame de Pompadour fleeing from the amorous attentions of Louis XV?
I noticed on zooming in on this photograph some tiny figures at the very end of the avenue. Was this the proof I had been looking for? The very ghosts of my reverie?
Alas no. Just some chap with his kid and another lady wandering aimlessly about. How dare they not be Cardinal Richelieu or blousey old Madame de Maintenon at the very least!
Really, tourists are such selfish creatures.
Life is too short to drink bad wine 
Stunning, wonderfully atmospheric and so aptly titled.
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The picture is beautiful and haunting, and the black and white adds to the effect.
Personally, I think it’s probably nature. In the rainforest of Western Washington state, where I’m from, the trees grow so thick that they have to compete for light and grow branches out, arching over the roads and cleared spaces like that, turning the roads into green tunnels. Your photo reminds me of home.
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Many thanks. I hope it was nature too. Your description of Western Washington state sounds beautiful. Another thing to add to my list of places to visit. Happy new year!
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* Sigh* for the lack of word , this is awesome!
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It was just so wonderfully atmospheric being there. So lucky so few people were wandering around!
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I have always had a fascination for places where the trees seem to come together over a lane, road, or path and especially love ones where there is a beautiful ray of light at the end.
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There is a special something about those places for sure. Meilleurs voeux! 🙂
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Stunningly beautiful. Thanks ever so much for participating this week.
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So delighted you like it. It was lovely in colour too! A wonderfully magical spot. Bon weekend! 🙂
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That is a really imaginative picture. Brilliant.
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Thanks very much! I am so delighted that it has sparked people’s interest. Hope you have a great weekend!☺
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Congratulations! I have selected this post to be featured on Cee’s Which Way Photo Challenge.
http://ceenphotography.com/2015/08/05/cees-which-way-challenge-2015-week-31/
I sure hope you are having a wonderful week.
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I certainly am having a great week now! Thanks so much Cee! Very thrilled to be on the featured list. Hope you have a lovely week too! 🙂
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You are very welcome.
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