Vie est Belle: The elegant art of living in the French style

This beautiful book is about the art of living in the French style. It is divided into regional sections each showcasing a different house as well as the lifestyle, local colors, savors and offerings of each area. Readers can visit the house of artist Claire Basler where each room is a painting. They can visit a chic post industrial living space, a pure spiritual retreat or a restored chateau, entering through the garden, opening the front door and noticing the most intimate details along the way.. They can learn about Normandy cheeses, the history of olive oil and the wines of Bordeaux, or better yet experience local dishes with the colorful recipes that illustrate them. It is a trip through France open to all the senses, each page more beautiful than the last. A very well photographed and produced book with great attention given to details. Some double pages spreads with overlay quotes in parchment are so beautiful they should be framed. It is very French in its anti-conformism, sense of history and quest for quality and taste.I highly recommend it.

The photographs in this book are delightfully engaging. Some of the homes showcased are elegant while others are more rustic. There are pictures of the interior and exterior of the homes which helps you to have a better feel for the overall style. I'm very pleased with my purchase and have already spent many hours perusing the content.

I would like to congratulate Ms. Hernrietta Heald for her work and eye for beauty ! I love her book - I keep it very handy , it's a pleasure to go through it over and over again !

My husband and I love 16th and 17th century French and English antiques and although many of the items in this book weren’t quite our taste as we prefer over the top elaborate, it’s an elegant, beautiful book perfect for a coffee table book. The photos are exquisite, the overall coloring of the cover and all the pages are very beautiful.

Love this book. the best I have come across. 5 Stars plus. Great pictures and the text has loads of information and amazing recipes. I have researched books on France for some time but this one comes out tops. Highly recommend it for anyone interested in France its culture and its food!!!

I purchased this book for a friend and she was so excited to get it! She loves French antiques and decor. She said it is a perfect book for the coffee table.

I can't say anything more than 'I would buy this again'!

The photography was so beautiful, and looking through the book made me wish for a long night by the fireplace with my Doberman and two Weimaraners by my side.