The largest and most famous cemetery in Paris is Cimetière du Père-Lachaise on Champ-l'Évêque hill in the 20th arrondissement. With more than three million visitors a year, it is extraordinary that a cemetery has become a tourist attraction. When you consider that of the 69,000 tombstones, about 30,000 have the status of historical monument, the landmark status is more than justified.
The Crespin du Gast tombstone is one such special monument. Known as one of the richest and most talented widows in France, Camille du Gast was a pioneer female racing driver and was the second woman ever to participate in an international car race. She was also an accomplished sportswoman - balloonist, skydiver, fencer, tobogganist, skier, rifle and pistol shot, horse trainer - and concert pianist and singer.
Photography has been my passion since 1975. Whereas in the past I often photographed people, I now mainly focus on photographing landscapes, nature and animals... Read more…