Viaduc de Chamborigaud

Viaduc de Chamborigaud is a long stone railway viaduct that curves right across the wooded Luech valley on the edge of the Cévennes village of Chamborigaud. Instead of a straight run, uniquely this railline bends as it crosses, so from the right spot you see the whole sweep of arches arcing across the valley, with two different arch sizes setting up a rhythm along its length. You can experiment with views from the higher ground and roads around the valley, where you can take in the full curve at once. Soft light near sunrise or sunset warms the stone and brings out the arches, while flat midday sun tends to kill the depth. It is still an active single track line, so a passing train adds a real sense of scale, though trains are sparse out here so check the timetable if you want to guarantee one. Greenery fills the valley in summer and the slopes turn warm in autumn, both of which set the stone off well. The viaduct is easy to reach, and you can shoot it freely from public roads and paths. (Chamborigaud, Gard, France)