Vicki Archer’s latest book French Essence
has been on my nightstand the last few weeks…
Its red ribbon bookmark slowly moving its way
along her charming storytelling path through
her life in the south of France…
The Chinoiseried walls of the Chinese Cabinet room
at La Mirande in Avignon…
Carla Coulson’s photographs leave an exquisite trail
of Vicki’s travels through narrow pathways in Avignon, St. Rémy,
Aix-en-Provence. Past chocolate shops and florist stalls, a peak inside
Cézannes’s art studio and his favorite restaurant Les deux Garçons…
The art of collecting…
Love the glimpses of Vicki’s exuberant style…
A peak into china cabinets and linen closets, across stacks
of books and perfume strewn vanities, her red jacket
tossed over her desk chair before a wall resplendent with
inspirational French movie posters and photos…
In the gardens of Mas de Bérard, Vicki’s re- christened hot pink climbing
rose “Shocking Semini”…along with tales of white iris’s and clipped hedges,
apple orchards and olive harvests…
Sitting room chairs pulled out into a summer garden…
Convivial…comfortable…fun…
You feel like you’ve been welcomed in for a visit..
A warm winter guest bedroom at Mas de Bérard…
French Essence is a continuation of Vicki’s personal story
from her earlier My French Life…earlier post here
With chapters on collecting, her gardens, the harvest,
views of Mas de Bérard dusted with snow, replete
with the vivid reds of circus tents and Christmas baubles
and a sprinkling of candlelight throughout…
Truly magical…a book to savor slowly…
Thanks for a lovely gift of a book, Vicki! A huge book…double page
photos…my snippets don’t do it justice!
Vicki’s blog here
Thanks to a post Vicki did on Roman antiquity in Arles here
and personal emails, my daughter had a magical detour
through Provence last January on her way to Rome…
Quiet Beauty in Provence here
Antiquity in Provence here
Oh how my soul is refreshed just from precious memories of having roamed the entire area in the South of France and seeing these gorgeous pictures as reminders.
What a lovely website.
Thanks so much,
Judy Truex
The thought of pulling carpet and chairs outside into a fresh French afternoon is magical indeed. With a cup of tea and a good book…. would you think that you had gone to Heaven?
the book looks wonderful – I love the feel of the warm winter guestroom!!!
Oh, I’ve been on blog hiatus for far too long!
How I’ve missed these luxurious and languid moments here!
What gorgeous photos – thanks!
I hope vicki’s book will be under the Christmas tree for moi. Loved the preview.
Karen
Fabulous images and I need to try some torchon lace on a stool I have here, love that look! That third picture is my favorite I love all the stuff together!
What a gorgeous gift, Vicki is as lovely and exuberant as her newly adopted French Country life. She definitely has an eye for beauty and created a lifestyle with soul. Carl Coulson is a ‘fantastic’ photography. The two Aussie gals make a fabulous team.
Thanks for sharing, mine is on order
joanny
Trish,
Beautiful images ! Vicki’s book must be a gorgeous one!! And I am sure Vicki is one of the sweetest and nicest persons!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures ( and the ones of your post before!!
Have a wonderful week,
Greet
After visiting Vicki’s blog, I had to go lie down. I’m weak with longing for the life she has created for herself in France and in awe of women who can pick up sticks like that and JUST DO IT. Thanks for bringing her to our attention. Her books will make the perfect gifts for two girlfriends on my list.
I have been in heaven going through Vicki’s exquisite book. I am also giving it as a Christmas gift this year.
I adore the images you have shown us. She most definitely has an eye for beauty and I am so happy she has
shared it with us. Thank you for sharing these lovely images and including earlier posts…it has been wonderful
reading them.
How lovely is the Chinese cabinet room? This book will just have to be a gift to myself.
Mary Ann
Wonderful pictures.Vicky caught The French essence
What magical images indeed. I think you should do a book as well. You could start with your magical lavender garden. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! Mona
Just beautiful! I cannot wait to purchase this book… adding it to the Christmas list right now!
Hope your week is off to a wonderful start, Trish,
xoxo
OMG…such strong images! Thanks for sharing this treat Trish.