St Raphael and Sete, two sisters like the Patty and Cathy Lane (you’ll need to look up “The Patty Duke Show”). St Raphael (aka Cathy Lane) is a beautiful resort town with copious amount of beaches, watersports, complete with boardwalk providing a Myrtle Beach feel.  There are vacationers and tourists everywhere. This place turned out to be a photographer’s dismay; no interesting architecture, no interesting street scenes, even the coast was lacking in photographic splendor.  St. Raphael might be the perfect place to bring a family for a summer vacation, but not so much for photographers. After a morning of walking the town, we were disappointed. Or, creeping into our minds, maybe we were losing our touch. Shouldn’t we be able to get something from nothing?

This poor guy has the unenviable job of keeping this deck in place.

This poor guy has the unenviable job of keeping this deck in place.

Sete restored our confidence. This place is “real.”  Sete is a quaint sea village with interesting canals (a la Venice), great alleyways, interesting architecture, and even an artsy part of town. In other words, a photographer’s dream.  We were back in business. Here are a few shots from the day including doorknockers of all things.

Early Morning Reflections from Sete.

Early Morning Reflections from Sete.

The "hand" door knocker is very popular in Sete. The rick blue door is what ought my eye.

The “hand” door knocker is very popular in Sete. The rich blue door is what ought my eye.

The orange door was striking. One of my favorite shots of the day.

The orange door was striking. One of my favorite shots of the day.

The people were also interesting.

Beautiful graffiti all over Sete, this man on a door is striking.

Beautiful graffiti all over Sete, this man on a door is striking.

I had never heard of Sete prior to our cruise. But, after a day walking around (over eight miles!) and photographing, it is high on my list for a repeat visit.

Desert anyone?

Desert anyone?

It’s all about the light, isn’t it?