A beautiful book celebrating rural life in France and the simple luxuries of good food, wine and friendship, by the author of the bestselling <b>The Ripening Sun</b>.<br><b><br></b>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?<br><br>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.<br><br><b>La Belle Saison<i> </i></b>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.