French Country Hideaways: Vacationing At Private Chateaus & Manors in Rural France | 
 enlarge | Author: Casey O'brien Blondes
Publisher: Rizzoli
Category: Book
List Price: $39.95
Buy New: $15.97
You Save: $23.98 (60%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 414509
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.7
Dimensions (in): 9.3 x 9.1 x 1.2
ISBN: 0847826821
Dewey Decimal Number: 914
EAN: 9780847826827
ASIN: 0847826821
Publication Date: October 2, 2005
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Condition: New - Has remainder mark. Fast shipping from trusted wholesaler with many exclusive publisher contracts.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Imagine awakening in a castle. You slip out of your poster bed, open french windows and step onto a stone balcony. You take in the view of surrounding vineyards that slope down to a quaint tile-roofed village in the misty river valley below.
This isn’t a dream. You can actually spend the night in an authentic French château or manor house, one with all the personal care of a bed-and-breakfast. For centuries, the country’s small châteaux have remained secret, closed to all but the families of the owners. But in recent years, in efforts to generate revenue for preservation, many families are throwing open the doors and inviting the public in to stay. French Country Hideaways takes you inside 35 of these hidden gems where you can experience true French country living.
At these châteaux d’hôte you will meet the owner-innkeeper and get to know the individual spirit of the place. These off-the-beaten-track estates were selected because each possesses a unique bond to the land. None of the properties has more than fifteen guest rooms, and most offer table d’hôte meals in the evenings that showcase the specialties of the region. France remains the number one European destination for Americans, and its three most popular regions are the focus here. Gloriously photographed by Franco-American Stephanie Cardon and complete with listings for recommended nearby restaurants and activities, French Country Hideaways is a wonderful guide for those planning or just dreaming about a visit to these enchanted landscapes.
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| Customer Reviews:
 LOVE THIS BOOK February 25, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This is a great book for someone who is thinking of staying at a private French chateau or at a country manor. The book is divided into different regions of France, beautifully illustrating both the exteriors with their stunning views as well as the interiors of these places. One learns some information about the current owners of these charming dwellings. For each residence, there is a list of places to visit recommended by the owners. At the back of the book there is useful information on each chateau or manor such as the address, phone number, fax number, and often email address and website. This is a great travel aid for someone who planning a special vacation in rural France. Great decorating ideas too!
 Nice photos of French Country Chataeaus & Manors November 1, 2006
2 out of 8 found this review helpful
I can only comment on the pictures in this book because I haven't had time to read the text lately. The pictures of the exteriors of the chateaus and manors are very well done. There are some nice photos of the interiors - what one would typically expect in a book of this title. Nothing was surprising and I wouldn't exactly call the interiors fabulous. For truly fabulous interiors I would suggest: The French Chateau by Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery & The French Country House, also by Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery.
Be a Houseguest in a French Chateau... December 21, 2005
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
Do you like to dream of travel? Or do you really go to France, leaving the beaten track to experience the very best countryside, cuisine, elegance and hospitality? Either way, this stunning book is perfect for you!
Casey O'Brien Blondes has found, meticulously researched, and visited 36 authentic chateaux and manor houses that welcome travelers. More than that, she describes the spirit and character of each place so vividly that you can practically smell the pungent rosemary in the kitchen or the antique roses you might find on your bedside table. While soaking up the history of the place or meeting the family, you will revel in the beauty of Stephanie Cardon's incandescent photographs. This is also an unusual and glorious resource for interior designers, filled with color and charm from austere to cozy.
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