theonlyD800inthehameau
Photography by theonlydeadheadinthehameau
Monochrome Madness: Buying and Selling
Posted on September 23, 2026
Almost every town and village in rural France has at least one shop that has been permanently closed for just about as long as anyone can remember. Our own nearest village has at least nine empty commercial premises, the majority of which were shut , and had been for a while, before we first came to the area over twenty years ago.
There’s no secret as to why, of course. The spread of shopping malls, retail parks and grocery supermarkets fatally undermined the fragile economics of family-run businesses.. I have photographed many of these derelict and decaying premises, including this old butchery in the town of Chabanais.
Lens-Artists Challenge: The Bridge At Chabanais
Posted on September 15, 2026
This weeks Lens-Artists Challenge calls for images of bridges. Well, I knew I had plenty of those to choose from, although looking through my library I began to realise that I probably had many more images taken from bridges than of the bridges themselves.
Nonetheless, I was pleased to find this: the bridge that crosses the River Vienne in the not-too-far town of Chabanais. On a still and cloudless day, the reflections were almost mirror-like – and what photographer worth their salt doesn’t like a nice reflection?
Geometric symmetry
Posted on December 28, 2023
The geometric forms in this half-timbered house in Chabanais chime well with the image that Cee has chosen for her latest Midweek Challenge.
I wonder if the house number is 29 (XXIX).
Cellpic Sunday: A shrouded altar
Posted on November 5, 2023
The old church in the town of Chabanais is currently undergoing some interior repairs, but it was still a bit of a shock to see the crucifix on the altar covered in a shroud.
The weir at Chabanais
Posted on April 20, 2022
The River Vienne encounters a weir as it flows through the village of Chabanais.
Disused Railway Lines
Posted on February 27, 2022
Possibly the most dreaded three words it is possible for any putative rail traveller to hear or see: ‘Replacement bus service’.
In this instance, the replacement is permanent, as the railway no longer serves the town of Chabanais. Although you can get the very occasional bus from outside the station…
The weir at Chabanais
Posted on December 9, 2020
A clear contrast between calm and turbulent waters at the weir on the River Vienne in Chabanais.
Monday Window: Chabanais
Posted on November 2, 2020
The window of one of many abandoned independent shops (this one a butcher’s) in the town of Chabanais.
Signal failure
Posted on July 29, 2020
The trains no longer stop at Chabanais – indeed, the spur line is not used at all – so this array of signalling equipment is redundant.
Disused railway tracks
Posted on June 19, 2020
Disused tracks just outside the old railway station in Chabanais.
(I applied an infra-red filter in order to enhance the impact of the vegetation – a polite way of saying weeds).
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