A Tree at Dawn

This large, free-standing tree is typical of many in the flat landscape of the Camargue (the region of the Rhone Delta in southern France). The distant mountains behind are part of the Alpilles, or "Little Alps"--a long chain running parallel to the Mediterranean.

In the expanse of the Camargue itself, such trees are often the largest landmarks, visible for many kilometers. I find them particularly impressive in winter, with their bare branches displaying every detail of their structure.