Vicki Archer’s My French Life is one of my favorite books…
Anyone who has followed Vicki’s Blog French Essence knows she revels
in the enchanted world she lives in on a seventeenth century restored
olive farm in Saint-Remy-de-Provence and sends missives via her blog
on her meanders through France and more far flung environs. Love how
Vicki describes adapting to the custom of choosing entry doors first…
before building the surrounding portal, how a length of admired vintage
passementerie could be re-imagined into her gorgeous bed, how she
realizes, when led by antique store owner into a dimly lit treasure trove
off a winding Nimes street:
“In France I quickly learned that it is the things that are hidden behind
closed doors that are the most remarkable. Not everything is as it seems. “
Full of gorgeous photos of the restored farmhouse, the gardens and groves,
and surrounding town of St. Remy, dipping into Roman history, bull fighting
in Arles, Provence cuisine, beauty secrets of French women and numerous
small and charming anecdotes…an absolutely lovely book…
Chemin d’eau…a waterway from ornamental pond to stone basin…
olive orchard and Les Alpilles mountain range in the distance
White gaura and lavender…
beyond the spilling water
Antique bed on cobbled floor…
In the property’s reconstruction, original material was carefully
saved “in a field cleared and designated the stockage” and
re-utilized as much as possible
My French Life is an inspiring glimpse into a world that evolves when one takes a chance,
a leap of faith, trusting one’s heart and instincts, and adapting as needed to fullfill
the dream and enjoying every moment of it…
Wonderful and plentiful photos of details
Photography by Carla Coulson
Couldn’t resist showing you the book cover under the jacket…
a photo of a vintage rosy quilt…
Also love that the book comes with a red ribbon
to keep your place….
Originally printed in 2006…My French Life is followed by
French Essence: Ambience, Beauty, and Style in Provence
School is out, summer around the corner…
Over the next few months I’ll highlight my favorite books
I’ve listed on my side column, just in case you need to add
one or two to your shelves…
