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French Essence: Ambience, Beauty, and Style in Provence [Hardcover]

Vicki Archer
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

List Price: $45.00
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Book Description

November 11, 2010
The author of My French Life returns with a breathtaking, full-color tour of the culture and style unique to Provence.

Ten years ago, Vicki Archer and her husband began restoring a seventeenth-century olive farm in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, resurrecting the ancient orchards and renovating the farmhouse. The story of Archer's dream come true is an enchanting one, captured on the pages of her debut book, My French Life. Now fully at home in this magnificent corner of the world, she brings us a guide for celebrating and re-creating Provençal ambiance.

A lover of architecture, art, furniture, and décor, Archer knows that the best interiors are inspired by the heart as much as the mind. French Essence is designed to spark both, with gorgeous photographs of lush gardens, timeless interiors, hauntingly beautiful village lanes, and inspired aesthetic details. Sumptuous cuisine and charming shops are also essential features of the tour, giging all readers the chance to vicariously savor the sensuous pleasures and effortless chic of this region. Reminiscent of Frances Mayes's lavishly illustrated books, In Tuscany and Bringing Tuscany Home, Archer's captivating words and scenes open the doors of inspiration for all who cherish the French way of life.


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French Essence: Ambience, Beauty, and Style in Provence + Summers In France
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Raised in Sydney, Australia, Vicki Archer has loved to travel since childhood. For more than a decade, she has divided her time between England and France with her husband and their three children.

Carla Coulson's photographs have appeared in such publications as Harper's Bazaar and Vogue Entertaining + Travel. Also the author of Italian Joy and Paris Tango, she lives in Paris. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 240 pages
  • Publisher: Studio (November 11, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0670022276
  • ISBN-13: 978-0670022274
  • Product Dimensions: 13.3 x 9.7 x 1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 4.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #233,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
(12)
4.1 out of 5 stars
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I purchased this book, thinking that there would be more about the surrounding villages and cities near the area the author resides in St. Remy-de-Provence. There is little text that is of interest. It is mostly about her love of collecting and her property," Le Mas." Some lovely photos, but not enough to warrant purchasing.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars studio photos May 29, 2012
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having been to Provence may times, I was expecting to revisit my favorite place. Instead, this book is a 'ladies who lunch' frivolous interpretation of the beauty, guts and soul of Provence. Most of the numerous flower photos and still lifes could have been taken in a studio. The author's fawning over her decor and daughters or friends made me feel more like I was reading the society page. NO art or vision here. Save your money...even at half price! This is a big coffee table nothing !French Essence: Ambience, Beauty, and Style in Provence
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book but . . . . . July 31, 2011
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I assumed from reading the previous reviews and several interior decorating blogs that this book would have some "AWESOME" interior photos of Mrs Archer's mas and varous others in the region including photos of daily village life, etc. I once again am reminded what the old saying is about "assuming". It IS a beautiful book, no doubt. But WHY is it listed under the subject of Interior Decorating?? It just didn't include the type of inspiring interior photos I was expecting and hoping for. So, am I glad I bought it? Yes, but . . . . . . . . . Would I recommend it to my friends? Perhaps, er.. maybe, but NOT if they are interested decorating in the French style. Should I buy her first book? Let me check to see how much a used, in good condition "My French Life" would cost me first.

Gay
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10 of 15 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars french dreaming January 31, 2011
By soficat
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The book is beautiful, photos are stunning. I have the first book also and I found that more interesting as a read. It would be nice to know a bit more about Vicki's family and what they get up to! Then I guess she would have to write a novel!
This book gives us a lovely overview of that part of France and certainly makes us want to visit there! Well worth the cost.
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8 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisitely Beautiful! April 8, 2011
Format:Hardcover
A knock-your-socks-off gorgeously vicarious view of a life lived stylishly amidst the olive groves on a luxe farm in Saint-Remy-de-Provence. If you dream of going to Southern France, this is the fastest route. So many dreamy photos to drool over and escape back to from quotidienne worries. Often it takes an Aussie to truely see and record France's innate beauty. Lushly produced and beautifully designed.
A great gift for those who adore France.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent June 4, 2013
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Great book, even my Antique dealer and designer friends love it.9 more words required is very lame for this tool.
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3.0 out of 5 stars I thought it would have more articles . February 24, 2013
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was disappointed that there were not more descriptive articles about some of the towns around Provence. I would have loved to have known more!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful! December 18, 2012
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book arrived on time and as described. It's beautiful - with gorgeous pictures of the mas the author has lovingly restored but beautiful shots of some of my favorite places in Provence.
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