INTRODUCTION

The two words that would best describe my last ten years are chance and change. Chance led me to Saint Remy de Provence and with that has come change. Looking back I cannot believe that a chance encounter in a foreign country could change a life in so many differ­ent ways. The publication of My French Life in 2006 made me aware that I am not alone in my deep love for France and that there are so many like-minded souls and kindred spirits who share my enthusiasm for all things French.

French Essence continues my love affair with France and in particular Provence, where I live. Beautiful surroundings have always fuelled my creative soul and to live life here with such an abun­dance of nature and loveliness is a gift. I questioned what it was that makes my life in Provence unique and what is so great the attraction - the answer was simple: ambience. Ambience is the single ingredient that distinguishes and infuses life here; French Essence is a written and photographic celebration of this. To explore Avignon, the City of Popes, to follow the footsteps of Cezanne in Aix -en - Provence, to watch an exquisite sunset over the Valley of Les Baux de Provence or to relax in a favourite room that flickers with candlelight is to feel a part of this ambience.

I have been a lover of architecture, art, furniture and decor forever, and French interiors whether public or private - are full of imagination and flair. The French have opened my eyes to colour and taught me to applaud originality and be free of the traditional restraints when it comes to decorat­ing. I am no longer afraid to mix the old with the new or the formal with the informal. I have learnt that the best interiors come from the heart and from a passion for collecting. French Essence is about the rela­tionship between ambience and our surroundings; it is about finding the inspiration and the guidance outside to enhance our lives on the inside.

As a believer in fate I like to think that the path I follow is the right one for me. I never doubt its direction and I happily embrace all the left and rights along the way. The beauty of fate and accepting change is that it is impossible to predict an outcome. I never imagined I would lead a French life and nor would I have imagined a life as olive farmer, writer and blogger, but as a result of my chance encounter in Provence my life has been enriched immeasurably. I am inspired on a daily basis and I work with talented and innovative people from all over the world doing what I love most. What could be better?

Vicki Archer