NEW BOOK ALERT: French Essence

I am so excited! Do you remember when darling (class act) Vicki Archer sent me this special gift all the way from France? Well, her new book (photographed by the equally darling/class act Carla Coulson) French Essence will be released by Penguin Books on Sept. 28, 2009!!! French Essence is a celebration of life in Provence, one of the most charming regions of France. Vicki Archer reveals the underpinnings of that famous French ambience and sense of style, and offers inspiration to all of us who want to understand the beauty, experience the lifestyle and emulate the interiors of this exquisite part of the world. Ten years ago, Vicki Archer bought and restored a seventeenth-century property in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, and told the story in her book My French Life. Now, in collaboration again with celebrated photographer Carla Coulson, she shares with us her love for Provence. Vicki Archer was born in Hobart and raised in Sydney. Her first overseas trip at the age of ten sparked a passion for travel and adventure that has never ceased. In the last twenty years she has travelled extensively throughout France and become enamoured with the French way of life. Since 2000 Vicki has lived between London and Provence with her husband and three children. Carla Coulson's photography has been published in Marie Claire, Australian Gourmet Traveller, Collezione, Vogue Entertaining & Travel and Flair magazines, among others. Penguin published her first book, Italian Joy, in October 2005. Carla is based in Paris.

Excerpt:

"The two words that would best describe my last ten years are chance and change. Chance led me to Saint Remy de Provence and with that has come change. Looking back I cannot believe that a chance encounter in a foreign country could change a life in so many differ­ent ways. The publication of My French Life in 2006 made me aware that I am not alone in my deep love for France and that there are so many like-minded souls and kindred spirits who share my enthusiasm for all things French.
French Essence continues my love affair with France and in particular Provence, where I live. Beautiful surroundings have always fuelled my creative soul and to live life here with such an abun­dance of nature and loveliness is a gift. I questioned what it was that makes my life in Provence unique and what is so great the attraction - the answer was simple: ambience. Ambience is the single ingredient that distinguishes and infuses life here; French Essence is a written and photographic celebration of this. To explore Avignon, the City of Popes, to follow the footsteps of Cezanne in Aix -en - Provence, to watch an exquisite sunset over the Valley of Les Baux de Provence or to relax in a favourite room that flickers with candlelight is to feel a part of this ambience." - Vicki Archer

Read more here......

LOOK INSIDE here.....(you're going to just die my friends..behold: beautiful alert)

INTERVIEW with Vicki here....

Absolutely Divine Perfection