The Most Beautiful Villages of Provence (The Most Beautiful Villages) [Hardcover]

Michael Jacobs (Author), Hugh Palmer (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: The Most Beautiful Villages | Publication Date: October 17, 1994

A place apart, a land of outstanding beauty and distinction, Provence is nothing less than an earthly paradise.

From one of the most famous coastlines in the world, the Cote d'Azur, to the hills and mountains of the Luberon, the variety and culture of its villages are astounding.

It is in such small communities as those so beautifully photographed by Hugh Palmer that the true spirit of Provence is to be found. Brilliant sunlight slants across jostling terra-cotta roofs, and great plane trees cast velvety shade across ancient squares where the only sound is that of a moss-covered fountain. The Most Beautiful Villages of Provence stunningly evokes the beauty and spirit of Provence, which has drawn visitors to it from ancient times to the present day. Its enduring charm is here celebrated in Palmer's magnificent photographs of such gems as Riez and its fields of lavender or the mysterious cobbled paths of Crestet. These entrancing places, and many others, make this book a lasting tribute to a magical world. Featuring a special listing of hotels, restaurants, festivals, and markets, this book celebrates a part of the world that has entranced millions. 300 full-color photographs

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Jacobs, an art historian and travel writer (A Guide to Provence, Penguin, 1989), continues to demonstrate his knowledge of Provence in this work, the perfect complementary text to Palmer's compelling photography, seen most recently in The Water Garden (Thames and Hudson, 1993). Text and photographs illustrate the belief that Provence's multiple identities are best represented in its villages, which vary greatly in character and architecture, from the fascinating west through the tranquil center to the fortified Italianate east. The photographs of simple churches, fountains, shady squares, and cobbled lanes demand leisurely observation, always justifying the inclusion of each of the more than 30 villages chosen. Information on local festivals and markets, hotels, and restaurants is also included in this beautiful volume. Highly recommended for travel and architecture collections.
William R. Smith, Johns Hopkins Univ. Lib., Baltimore, Md.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Provence is a land apart, a territory of outstanding beauty and distinction that has exercised a fascination for outsiders since earliest times. It is the smaller communities that the true Provencal spirit can be found: in brilliant sunlight falling across the terracotta roofs of the hill villages, or in the velvety shade beneath the great plane trees in an ancient square. It is such scenes which are celebrated here in Hugh Palmer's stunning photographs and Michael Jacobs' evocative account of the most beautiful villages of this, the best loved of all French provinces. The variety of the villages of Provence is astounding. The Most Beautiful Villages of Provence is a celebration in 300 color illustrations of that variety, of a beauty and spirit that have continued to entrance outsiders to the present day. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson; R/P edition (October 17, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500541876
• ISBN-13: 978-0500541876
• Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 10 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #464,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

83 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gorgeous Book, January 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Most Beautiful Villages of Provence (The Most Beautiful Villages) (Hardcover)

As a Frenchwoman now living in Switzerland, I treasure this book. I was born in Provence and love the gorgeous little hill villages of this region. The author and photographer certainly do the area justice. The text is full of useful information: Hotels, restaurants, when festivals occur. And the photographs are beautiful beyond compare. I adore this book and love looking at it. There really is no place like Provence! If you're contemplating a trip to the area, this book is an absolutely must have. A very informative guide that is gorgeous in its own right!

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Are You Ready For Romance?, May 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Most Beautiful Villages of Provence (The Most Beautiful Villages) (Hardcover)

In my opinion (and in the opinion of my wife!), Provence is the most beautiful place on earth, and the most romantic! My wife and I spend two weeks every year just traveling through the little hill towns and villages with no agenda other than to just enjoy ourselves, eat wonderful meals and luxuriate in the landscape. Besides getting a firsthand view of the most gorgeous place on earth, we find there is no better place than Provence to renew the love and friendship between us. If your ready for romance, then buy this book and take off. If not, you'd better stay at home.

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only thing better than this book is to be there!, August 28, 2000

By 

"iloveprovence" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Most Beautiful Villages of Provence (The Most Beautiful Villages) (Hardcover)

Provence is heaven to me.I love the hills, the variety of plant life, and the exquisite villages with their definitive shuttters and dove cotes. The fountains bubble with life. The cobbled streets lead to some of the most fetching homes and buildings in the world. The Provencal people dress their windows in lace and paint the exterior and interior of their homes in the colors found in the Provencal landscape: blue, yellow, ochre, greens. Terracotta roofs provide the most wonderful color and texture to the landscape. Somehow everything blends wonderfully! The creators of The Most Beautiful Villages in Provence capture the essence of this southern region of France. The photography vividly presents the viewer with a panorama of gorgeous scenes: fields of lavender, geraniums in pots leading to a beautiful door, roof top views that are breathtaking, undulating paths that take you to splendid spots, aerial views of villages, an old roman road and bridge. A friend of mine, who was born in Provence, gave me this incredibly beautiful book; the only thing better, she says, is to be there! I plan to take this book with me to Provence next summer!! After seeing this book, nothing can keep me away!