La Vie en Rose opens the doors of homes of writers, aristocrats, artists and actors who have created an original ambience in houses, apartments and chateaux throughout France. Some are French-born, others expatriates; some live in great castles or luxurious city apartments; others in Bohemian studios or simple farm and village dwellings, lured by the culture and style of the French joie de vivre. The book celebrates the rich variety of architectural and interior styles across the different regions of France. Divided into three sections - The Grand Style, City Chic, Life in the Country - contrasting settings and lifestyles are covered. In France, in recent years, influential designers and architects, such as Ines de la Fressange and Gae Aulenti, have nibbled away at fixed ideas and traditional styles. No-one can live in France and be impervious to French attitudes and flair; at the same time ideas from elsewhere constantly enliven the culture. The talents of lifestyle writer Suzanne Lowry and accomplished photographer Tim Clinch combine to conjure up the allure of living in la belle France.