Stéphane Bern

From the verdant farmlands of Normandy to the tropical paradise of the Mediterranean coast, or from the rolling fields of poppies in Provence to the azalea bushes of the Loire Valley, gardens abound in France. Featuring the full range of garden design styles--traditional French, English, Italian, and Japanese; botanical or romantic; rock or cacti; country or contemporary-- this unique tour of France through forty-four private gardens draws upon the country's extraordinarily rich biodiversity and offers manifold visual inspiration for the home gardener. With their singular passion, the home gardeners featured here share tips and visual inspiration--from the post-impressionist painter who created his own water lily garden, to the bonsai aficionado who transformed his property into a Zen paradise, to the couple who transformed an abandoned seventeenth-century farm with regal topiaries. The book is completed with a list of addresses for organizing a visit to the featured gardens."

"What more glorious claim to fame could there be than Milliner to the Queen? ", asks Stéphane Bern in his preface to this exclusive book marking the 30th anniversary of MAISON FABIENNE DELVIGNE. The book traces the exceptional career of Fabienne Delvigne, the Belgian entrepreneur, hat designer and craftswoman who creates highend luxury products. Across Europe, Fabienne Delvigne's designs sublimate the beauty of women. Her unique talent was recognised in 2001, when she gained the trust of the Belgian royal family, who awarded her the coveted title of Warrant Holder of the Court of Belgium. In this book, Fabienne casts a refined and joyful gaze on the world of fashion, and introduces us into her world, a world made up encounters, hard work, inspiring walks, and the joy of practising her craft every day. An original and exhilarating volume that not only looks back on the milliner's career, but also reveals a woman of character who defends an artistic heritage while being of her time. Since 2008, alongside her Haute Couture collections, she has designed, for each season, a Studio Collection composed of stylish, prêt-à-porter hats. The body of the text? The words that helped her fashion her creative universe. The spirit moving that body? Passion, her passions. Anecdotes, recollections, previously unseen projects, a behind-the-scenes view of the creator's artistry, a look back on her collaborations with such leading companies as Guerlain and BMW, and, of course, hats to go mad for! This book has been released to mark the 30th anniversary of Maison Fabienne Delvigne, with forewords provided by Stéphane Bern and Diane von Furstenberg. Readers will discover the passion that drives this Belgian entrepreneur, a perfectionist to the very tips of her scissors. A Warrant Holder of several European Courts, Fabienne also designs hats for all the élégantes who enter her Brussels boudoir workshop. Leafing through the book, readers will not fail to appreciate her unique and fascinating journey.

Discover the magic of Luxembourg with this homage to the country's rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes. Steeped in history, the small baroque country of Luxembourg is one of the few remaining hidden treasures of Europe. With a 1,000-year-old heritage, including the old city fortifications and ruins that are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this landlocked nation--best known as a center for banking and telecommunications--offers a surprisingly rich diversity of natural wonders. This volume leads the reader through Luxembourg's picturesque countryside, unveiling the nation's fascinating history, culture, and geography, and includes a detailed guide to the best cultural, gastronomic, and historical experiences, along with an agenda of annual events and festivities.

Cawdor, one of Scotland’s most magnificent estates is the focus of Highland Living . Reflecting both the rusticity of the locale and the elegance of the castle’s grounds and interiors, inspiration and visual delights await as the door is opened to the castle’s gardens, kitchens and private apartments. Coupling impressive antiques with cosy creature comforts, Angelika Cawdor has created a charming décor of discerning Scottish style within this historic house. Accompanied by exquisite colour photography, the book opens with a history of Cawdor Castle, from its beginnings in the late 14th century and tales of Macbeth, to the present day in which the estate spans 18,000 acres of forest, grazing land and wildlife management, an exquisite kitchen garden, modern organic gardens, a glorious cutting garden and, of course, the manor with its attractive tapestries and furnishings. Cawdor tartans and Highland colour tones add to the perspective of what life is like on a working estate in Scotland and make this book a page-turner of vibrant images, information and insight. A section on the recipes of Cawdor Castle shows off Scottish culinary traditions—porridge, salmon, and haggis, as well as modern recipes for other traditional delights—partridge, roast rhubarb and apple crumble, and ginger beer, to name a few. The book is completed by an address book of the best places to visit, restaurants and lodges, and shopping for everything from chocolates to organic vegetables. A sumptuous book devoted to a special part of Inverness, Highland Living will be cherished by anyone who adores the traditions of Scotland and Scottish life.

The Best Loved Villages of France takes the reader to forty-four of the country's most treasured locations. Always picturesque, but often well-kept secrets, the book offers insight into French village life. Visit a crumbling medieval fortress with the mayor of Lavardin or peruse the maritime objects found at sea by a mustached fisherman in Saint-Suliac, stroll along the windsurfer's paradise at Wissant bay or promenade through the manicured grounds of Vaux-le-Vicomte, enjoy a fresh langoustine dinner in Corsica or catch the sunrise over the fairytale castle in Montsoreau. This book offers an illustrated tour around all twenty-two regions of France, from Provence and the Alps, to Normandy and the Loire. A charming selection of aerial and intimate photographs invite the reader to explore these splendid locales, while the descriptions, anecdotes, and interviews with local village-dwellers plunge you into the individual history and character of France's diverse regions. Feel inspired by journalist Stephane Bern's informative and practical travel tips and recommendations, and start planning your own adventure to France's most loved villages or simply enjoy the armchair tour.