Vacation in Crimea through the eyes of a French photographer

French photographer Didier Bizet believed that he was aware of the political situation in Crimea, when earlier this year I decided to spend some time on the peninsula. However, he went there in order to highlight the situation in the region from a different point of view, focusing on the profile area for the Crimea — tourism issues. Before the visit to Crimea Didier read several publications in the Western European press, where it was said that in recent years things have been getting worse and worse in this region with tourism. However, the residents of the peninsula, with whom the photographer managed to communicate, told him that in fact everything is a little different.

Source: edition.cnn.com

"When I arrived in Crimea and talked to the locals, they told me that everything is somewhat different than they write in the Western European media. In their opinion, tourism is developing because President Putin is taking the measures necessary to make holidays in Crimea better and more affordable," Didier says.

Women relax on a private beach in Yalta.

Being in In Crimea, the photographer met with people from a variety of points of view. For example, the woman who helped him during his stay in Simferopol turned out to be Ukrainian. She used to work for a Ukrainian travel company, which closed after Crimea became part of Russia, and the woman was left without a job.

Much in Crimea reminded Didier of the Russian past: from an outdated cable car to the clothes of some tourists.

People ride golf cars at one of the Crimean resorts.

Seen in Didier described Crimea as "patriotic tourism". This was especially evident in Sevastopol, the main base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which has been there since Soviet times. According to the photographer, tourists were happy to watch how Russian warships sail through the bays of Sevastopol. "They definitely felt proud," he said.

"One of the most popular places in Crimea is called the Swallow's Nest. This is an architectural monument on top of a steep cliff in the village of Gaspra, resembling a medieval knight's castle," Didier said.

Children ride the cable car.

Tourists swim on a boat near Gurzuf.

A woman looks at her phone on the beach in Yalta.

A resort hotel in the village of Gaspra, near the Swallow's Nest.

Tourists wrap themselves in blankets to keep warm during the descent from the top of one of the Crimean mountains, Ai-Petri.

People are returning to Yalta after an excursion to the Swallow's nest. Boats are more expensive than regular buses, but, according to Didier, faster.

"Hookahs on Crimean beaches have replaced cigarettes. Smoking is prohibited almost everywhere," Didier said.

Embankment in Yalta, where you can find entertainment for every taste.

Vorontsov Palace in Alupka, which has become a film set for many films.

A man enjoys a drink on top of Ai-Petri.

It is difficult to find a free place on the beaches of Gurzuf.