Happy Bastille Day

Happy Bastille Day!

The 14th of July is the equivalent of the US 4th of July, it's France's National day.  It commemorates the peasant storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789 which marked the beginning of the end of the French monarchy's rule.

These days it's celebrated with a huge military procession down the famous Champs Elysées, lots of fireworks, lots of parties and lots and lots of wine!

Essential summer reading: Kathryn Ireland's exquisite new book, Summers in France.

You must check out this gorgeous book, just published.

It's about Kathryn Irelands incredible country house in France, which she has lovingly restored, this is the location for our Picnics in Provence tours to the South West, mentioned in the book.

To give you an idea of how special it is, Barbara Streisand rented it for her family holiday the week after our last Picnics tour. If it's good enough for Babs...!

The book is full of wonderful entertaining tips, gorgeous photos and great recipes but most of all overflowing with Ms Ireland's inimitable style and panache.  It's a treat.

http://www.1stdibs.com/introspective/required_reading/summers_in_france_by_kathryn_m._ireland/