Via fifteen private visits to places intimately connected to the region of Provence, Bénédicte Jourgeaud’s book gives voice to the people behind the scenes, whether producers of olive oil or lavender, architect-decorators, or chefs celebrating regional produce. The journalist visited local establishments, revealing their expertise for a stylish plunge into a region which immediately appears for what it truly is: rich, genuine, charming and modern. With a legible design, mixing colors and details, this work is irresistible and represents the coffee table book for lovers of Provence.

A beautiful book by Bénédicte Jourgeaud with L’OCCITANE en Provence is released in bookshops November 3. This inspirational work is composed of true stories that give a vision of Provence today.

By Caroline Taret - Photos Editions Cherche-Midi
November 4, 2011

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Culture and Fashion

A journalist and writer specialized in the textile and fashion industries, Bénédicte concerns herself with the Provence lifestyle, with the objective of providing an up-to-date and real picture of the region. “I began with obvious subjects tied to Provence, with the idea of tackling them with a different and out-of-the ordinary approach, and with a new perspective.” Inevitably, this exercise takes place by interviewing personalities at the heart of these places, that the journalist calls her “hosts.” Indeed, her contacts literally invite us into their worlds to share their expertise, their passion, and their love for the region.

Visites Privées
éditions du Cherche Midi
Collection "Beaux Livres"
www.cherche-midi.com/

Publication date, November 3, 2011

« It’s the vision of the region that’s important »
Bénédicte Jourgeaud, author of Visites Privées en Provence

“It’s the vision of the region that’s important,” continues Bénédicte Jourgeaud, “for example, in gastronomy the idea wasn’t to publish a ratatouille recipe, but rather to go and meet a chef like Armand Arnal who has the particularity of growing his own vegetables in an organic garden and then produces a modern cuisine in the spirit of the times. The same thing goes for interiors, we’re a far cry from the clichéd image of the yellow Provencal kitchen with curtains printed with cicadas: the architect Alexandre Lafourcade defends the position of returning power to space by emptying it, rehabilitating and preserving the structure of the walls, the fireplaces and the original interior architectural details but integrating modern and industrial furniture.” These talents share a multitude of personal narratives with us, which contribute to Provence’s grand historical narrative. The book confirms our desire to return to Provence as soon as we think of it!