I am a Francophile and of French decent and I LOVE this book!
344531
Beautiful book that 'walks' you thu the streets and places of Paris as though you're there! I Love Paris and the French culture. I am French (on my dad's side) I am proude to be French!
2594541
I am enjoying this book very much - I decided to read through it the first time, the marking and folding over of pages will commence the second time!

It really gets to the sense of style French women have at every age!
910803
This is one of the prettiest books I own. I love the stories he tells, along with the recipes being easy to follow. The Old World pictures each tell a story without the words. Because of this, I have become quite a good cook of Moroccan foods. It prompted me to go buy a tagine, so now my dishes are really appetizing to look at as well as to eat. Thanks, Mourad!
4150579
The author does an excellent job of very kindly describing the cultural differences between Americans and the French! It was entertaining, funny, and I couldn't put it down.
1266088
I first saw this book in France, published in french.  I did not want to buy it and then carry it around and fly it home so I took my chances with trying to buy it state-side.  What do you know, Amazon had it, in English!
I use it as a accent piece my kitchen, nestled next to my tourist books on french wine and things Italian and sunflowers.  It is a wonderful book for gazing at, conjuring up memories of the aromas , the smells and tastes of Provence, and dreaming of what I may expereince again (if I ever go back to the south of France).  The book is wonderfully put together, beautiful photo spreads of tables set for lunch and dinner, vinyards, and of course the oil and food.  The story of how olive oil is made is included, with pictures, which I found interesting.  The recipes not only look great but the two that I've made have turned out very well.  Not only is it a great book to look at, but the recipes are authentic!  It would make a good gift for someone who appreciates olive oil and may want to experiment with the recipies.
4862030
As a Francophile who lived in Paris for one year, and has spent considerable time there ever since, I still found this book a treasure trove of new information, both sensible and accurate. Her suggestions for interactions with the French are invaluable and if you take them to heart, they will make your trip so much more pleasurable. Some of the restaurants she recommends are well known and many of the patrons will be tourists like yourself; on the other hand, other restaurants, especially those in the less central arrondissements are less touristy and will give you a true French dining experience. Agreeing with her reviews of the restaurants that I have tried, I have confidence in her opinions and I plan to make a list of those new to me for my next trip. All in all, five stars, great guide, great advice. And the money saving tips are very kind to the pocketbook
2093707
I am learning French as an adult and I love this book.  It is really fun.  In the book there are Enlgish translations next to the French.  I enjoy the CD and I try to pick out words that I have learned in my lesson.  It would be nice to see more volumes of this type of book.
2867217
This book was a fun read and I highly recommend it to any Francophile.  Having spent time on the island of Belle isle just made it that much better.  Now if I could only win the lottery and join the Wallaces.....
1261948
I have only been learning French for a few months and when I heard about this book I was excited to give it a try! To start off,  I really enjoyed listening to the content it provided. The book contains an introduction that explains how everything is set up and what exactly to expect while listening. After the introduction the stories begin. There are 15 short stories and they were all fun to listen to. It really helped me being able to hear the words out loud in French, plus the explanations of certain words and phrases in English after certain sections was an awesome bonus! I have found that the book has been really helpful. It is perfect for French learners who enjoy being immersed in the language.
2685486
I've enjoyed working out of this book so far - now that I'm a few chapters in, I notice and comprehend little bits and pieces of French text (usually in sheet music) wherever I go! This is a great book for the casual language dabbler.
4966722
I love this book! I'm really into WWII history, and France, and I love the you-are-there aspect of this book. Great for seeing the motivations of the various protagonists and how they interact.
4932935
Anyone who is a Francophile as I am will love this book. I was amazed by the quality of the photos and the text that is so exciting and fabulously
presented.  What a beautiful collectors edition and and a very original presentation.  It is such a  unique and original way to present this
amazing chateau. I am ordering another to give as a gift I am so impressed.
1189340
I received this book as a gift and am so appreciative! I love the French traditions that are weaved into the story and the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! This reminded me of knitting with my granny when I was a little girl. My sons (5 and 7) and I love it!
1903159
I came across this book accidentally, and immediately purchased it.  You see, back in the late 1960s/early 1970s, I was a student of Mr. Bellard's.  I had no idea of his life situation -- that English was his second language (!), that his parents were unable to read and write in any language, and that he had grown up in such poverty.  I admired him as a teacher when I was his student, and now have an even greater admiration for him knowing the circumstances that led to his becoming that teacher.  Coincidentally, I have also very much enjoyed vacationing in France, and hope to live there temporarily and explore more of the country when I am retired and no longer working full-time.  In short, I enjoyed this book very much, and think that anyone who is interested in traveling to France, or has an interest in Cajun culture, would enjoy reading it too.  If you read this, Mr. Bellard, congratulations on a most productive and successful career, and I hope you will continue to have many happy years and travels in the future!  You have "assimilated" very well!
1885264
I really did like it....but I would prferer if the book has been in french....because I am a francophon person.
Thanh you very much! God bless you! PAOLA
274326
I am a big Francophile who keeps a list of the books I've read.  I loved this book and its story of one of the greatest periods in French history.  I went to put it on my list and realized that I'd read it 7 years before!  That had no effect on my ability to thoroughly enjoy it the second time through.
4499380
Simply put, I learned more French from this two dollar book than from all other French books combined!