La belle saison : [living off the land in rural France]
(Book)

Subtitle from cover.

Originally published: London: Century, 2005.

A beautiful book celebrating rural life in France and the simple luxuries of good food, wine and friendship, by the author of the bestselling The Ripening Sun. How often have you eaten a mushroom that you picked yourself that morning? Or sat on a boat opening and eating oysters as you lift them from the sea? Or partaken of a seven course feast of game to celebrate the success of the chasse? When Patricia Atkinson first moved to France, her intention was simply to establish a vineyard. Over the years, however, she found herself becoming integrated into a way of life. La Belle Saison" "is a testament to the timelessness of the beautiful French countryside, the bounty of the land, and the generous-headed French neighbours who showed Patricia that a simple life has many rewards. In France, every season is 'la belle saison', offering up its gifts to those willing to appreciate and look after the land.