Colors of Provence Traditions, Recipes, and Home Decorations from the South of France

Under the bright Provencal sun, the colors of earth, stone, trees, fruits, and flowers give this region its unique character and beauty-from the deep purple of lavender fields to the radiant yellow of sunflowers, and from the bright red of vine-ripened tomatoes to the earthy blackness of fresh truffles, the essential elements of Provence are unfolded chapter by chapter and color by color. Ochre bricks and roof tiles are set against ripe red cherries, while glistening clementines share the orange hues of Mediterranean coral. Yellow tints the popular pastis liqueur and the zucchini blossoms used in the local cuisine. Green recalls the traditional garden pottery while blue reflects the fishing boats and white symbolizes the region's famous cotton boutis bed coverings. An insider's guide includes the best addresses for fabrics, ceramics, antiques, and embroidery, sources for gourmet delicacies, and recipes for uniquely Provencal dining experiences. This book is a visually evocative and essential reference on this unique corner of the world.

Michel Biehn, an internationally recognized expert of Provencal traditions, is an antique dealer and decorator who lives in the village of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. He is the author of Michel Biehn's Healthy Recipes (2003), Cooking with Herbs: The Flavors of Provence (2001), and Recipes from a Provençal Kitchen (1995/1999), all published by Flammarion. Gilles Martin-Raget, acclaimed photographer, worked with Michel Biehn on Cooking with Herbs and remains captivated by the photographic richness of his native Provence. His gallery "Image en Provence," which he opened in 1997, is a showcase for traditional Provencal costumes.