The Photographic Chronicles - Week 42 - Utrecht prononced : juːtrɛkt

Heading to the center of the Netherlands

After a few days in Amsterdam, I headed to Utrecht, a smaller city with undeniable charm. The buildings are less imposing, the canals narrower, and it really feels like a human-scaled city.

I emphasize this human dimension because, while I had already noticed a certain friendliness among people in Amsterdam, it truly struck me in Utrecht. Residents greet you on the street, exchange smiles, and several passersby spontaneously struck up conversations when they saw my cameras, even stopping to give me space to shoot. Simple, natural gestures that feel normal to me, but are increasingly rare in Paris.

Looking back, the fact that there are far fewer cars and that most people get around by bike creates an almost total sense of calm. This is quite unusual for a European city and must contribute significantly to the feeling of well-being.

Don’t go to Gouda, there’s nothing to see!

That said, I truly enjoyed photographing the Utrecht region. While the city itself can be explored in two or three days, I took advantage of the ease of travel to explore nearby towns, including Gouda. My plan was then to return to Utrecht on foot, crossing the countryside.

Many houses line the canals and lakes, bike paths lead absolutely everywhere, and even though the landscape is indeed flat, it remains very appealing. Autumn seems to be one of the best seasons to visit: trees shedding their leaves, heavy, cloudy skies, and light stretching softly… A perfect combination for the kind of photography I love.

In short, I return with wonderful memories and new works that will enrich my practice. Below is a preview of my latest creations: