Photography at the Épau: Open-Air Photo Trail
The Abbaye Royale de l'Épau hosts an open-air photo trail that mixes heritage, nature, and contemporary creation, in the exceptional setting of the abbey and its park. Five contemporary photographers each present an original series, installed outdoors along the visitor route.
Corey Arnold explores wildlife adapting to large American cities in “Cities gone wild.” Paolo Verzone challenges our representations with “Repenser les dinosaures,” drawing on the latest paleontological research. Kateryna Lebreton presents “Au fil de la mémoire,” a series of portraits of Ukrainian women refugees in France. Since 2022, Steven Wassenaar has documented rural France in “Le visage de la terre est dans son cœur.” Finally, Gérard Uféras celebrates collective events and human communion in “Ensemble.”
The trail is open from June 26 to November 1, 2026. Guided tours are offered on Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, and 30, and on August 6 and 13, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
On video
Organizer
Abbaye royale de l'Épau (Conseil départemental de la Sarthe)
The Abbaye royale de l'Épau, founded by Queen Bérengère of Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, is managed by the Sarthe Departmental Council. Year-round, the site offers a heritage trail, a 13-hectare park with permaculture gardens, and a rich cultural program, including this open-air photo trail.
On stage / In the ring
Corey Arnold
American photographer; series “Cities gone wild” on wildlife adapting to large cities.
Paolo Verzone
Photographer; series “Repenser les dinosaures” on contemporary paleontological research.
Kateryna Lebreton
Photographer; series “Au fil de la mémoire,” portraits of Ukrainian women refugees in France.
Steven Wassenaar
Photographer documenting rural France since 2022 in “Le visage de la terre est dans son cœur.”
Gérard Uféras
Photographer; series “Ensemble,” celebrating collective events and communion.
Abbaye Royale de l'Épau
Route de Changé, 72530 Yvré-l'Évêque
Getting there
Accessibility: Video guide in French Sign Language (LSF). FALC booklet (Easy to Read and Easy to Understand) available on request at the front desk. Audio tours on the Guidigo app.
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