Originally from Aveyron, and more specifically from the Grands Causses region, whose geological formation bears some similarities to the Jura, I discovered the Jura a few years ago when part of my family migrated to Pontarlier. This region of authentic natural beauty and breathtaking panoramas immediately appealed to me, with its many treasures including lakes and waterfalls, a must-see and a symbol of the richness and diversity of the Jura environment.

During my many visits, I've made a point of photographing these landscapes, so dear to Gustave Courbet, and over time I've come to realize, through my discussions with local farmers, that this natural beauty conceals a crucial issue: the management of water resources. More specifically, the role of the Doubs, which encircles and irrigates the Jura massif.

Although the region seems to benefit from a relatively abundant water supply, the fragility of this hydrological system represents a major challenge. In times of drought, water levels in lakes and rivers can drop considerably, putting at risk not only aquatic biodiversity, but also human uses such as drinking water supply, agriculture and tourism. Climate change is exacerbating this problem. Prolonged periods of drought are becoming increasingly frequent, affecting water availability. Soil erosion and local deforestation also have a direct impact on water quality and quantity, disrupting natural balances. But it is above all the general warming of the climate which, by reducing snow quantities and the temporal amplitude of snow cover, is weakening water resources the most, leading to repeated periods of low water, endangering ecosystems throughout the basin.

Through the "Lignes d'eau" exhibition, I wanted to use images to capture the beauty of the Jura's lakes and waterfalls, and to draw the viewer's attention to the need to strike a balance between the preservation of these magnificent landscapes and sustainable water management. Beyond the lakes and waterfalls of the Jura, these images also address the urgent and complex issue of the water crisis in the context of global warming. Water, an essential resource for life, is under threat today, with direct consequences for the environment, society and economies. Through these soothing images, I wanted to show the risks of the evolution underway and bear witness to the loss that looms on the horizon if awareness is not equal to the stakes.

The "Lignes d'eau, cascades et lacs du Jura" exhibition was presented in Millau (Aveyron) at the "Le Salon" gallery from March 21 to April 8, 2025, and was well received by the Millau public (almost 200 visitors over the period). At the same time, it was used to support a public lecture on the theme of "Water in the geology of the Jura, similarities and differences with the Grands Causses", given by Mr. Pierre Vergély, member of the Scientific Committee of the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses, geologist, doctor of science and university professor emeritus.