The World is White – Photo: © Lionel Maye
Every November, Montier-en-Der becomes the European capital of wildlife photography. More than 250 photographers from around the world, conferences, large-format exhibitions and a unique atmosphere make this festival an unmissable event for nature and art photography enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
- The origins of a unique event
- An international wildlife photography fair
- The festival’s philosophy: between art and commitment
- Conferences and encounters
- Practical information to get there
- Why visit Montier?
- Conclusion
The origins of a unique event
Created in 1996, the Festival Photo Montier-en-Der was born out of the desire to highlight wildlife photography and nature with a spirit of sharing, ethics, and environmental awareness. Located in Haute-Marne, at the heart of a remarkable area marked by Lake Der-Chantecoq and its bird migrations, the event has gradually established itself as Europe’s must-attend meeting place for nature photographers, enthusiasts, and professionals.
From the outset, the ambition of the festival was clear: to show the fragile beauty of the living world, to stir emotion through images, but also to raise awareness of biodiversity issues.
An international wildlife photography fair
Every year, the Festival Photo Montier-en-Der brings together more than 250 exhibiting photographers from all over the world. It showcases both international figures of wildlife photography and passionate amateurs, carefully selected for the quality and authenticity of their work.
Among the great names who have marked Montier are:
- Vincent Munier (France), master of poetic atmospheres in the Arctic expanses.
- Jim Brandenburg (USA), former National Geographic photographer, renowned for his series on wolves.
- Laurent Baheux (France), with his powerful black-and-white work dedicated to African wildlife.
- Art Wolfe (USA), tireless explorer and author of numerous books on nature and cultures.
- Kyriakos Kaziras (France–Greece), whose painterly approach magnifies African and polar wildlife.
- Christine and Michel Denis-Huot (France), leading specialists of the African savannah.
And of course, Lionel Maye, a photographer represented by the gallery Une image pour rêver, who has already exhibited at Montier. His images of wildlife, marked by accuracy and emotion, perfectly illustrate the philosophy of the festival: combining naturalist rigor with artistic sensitivity.
Alongside photographic exhibitions, Montier also offers:
- large-format exhibitions installed in various places in the town, accessible to all,
- publishers, galleries, and associations presenting books, prints, and conservation projects,
- the presence of the leading photo equipment brands (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Sigma, Tamron…), unveiling their latest products and offering demonstrations and workshops.
This unique mix of art, technology, and environmental awareness is what makes Montier’s reputation, now recognized as one of the world’s greatest wildlife photography festivals.
The festival’s philosophy: between art and commitment
The Festival Photo Montier-en-Der is not just a commercial fair. Its strength lies in a clear philosophy:
- Showcasing respectful images, taken under ethical conditions, without disturbing the animals.
- Promoting a naturalist and documentary approach, while always infused with artistic creativity.
- Valuing transmission and sharing, whether between photographers, scientists, associations, or the general public.
Each edition also highlights strong environmental themes (climate, endangered biodiversity, oceans, forests, animal migrations…), illustrated through exhibitions and conferences.
Conferences and encounters
Montier is also a place for reflection. Each year, dozens of conferences and screenings bring together:
- renowned photographers sharing their field experiences,
- scientists explaining biodiversity challenges,
- NGOs and nature conservation associations.
These exchanges place wildlife photography within a broader context: that of awareness and commitment.
Practical information to get there
The Festival Photo Montier-en-Der takes place every year in November, when Lake Der welcomes thousands of migrating cranes.
Access:
- Nearest train station: Saint-Dizier (TGV connections from Paris and Strasbourg).
- Shuttles organized during the festival to Montier.
- By car: easy access via the A5 and A26 motorways, with parking and special signage.
Tickets: day passes or 4-day passes, with reduced rates for students and free admission for children.
Accommodation: in high demand at this time of year, it is recommended to book several months in advance.
Why visit Montier?
- To discover the most beautiful nature images in the world, signed by both international and emerging photographers.
- To meet the artists directly, such as Lionel Maye, and exchange with them about their approaches and their vision of wildlife photography.
- To be inspired by conferences and leave with a better understanding of environmental issues.
- To experience a unique atmosphere, bringing together a passionate and committed community.
Conclusion
The Festival Photo Montier-en-Der is much more than a fair: it is a celebration of nature, art, and ecological commitment.
By hosting prestigious photographers such as Vincent Munier, Laurent Baheux, Art Wolfe, and Lionel Maye, it affirms its place as a world reference for wildlife photography.
An unmissable event for anyone who loves images, nature, and the meeting point between artistic emotion and environmental awareness.
