What do you get when three South African friends - a chef, an artist and a stylish woman with boundless energy and vision - are intent on the adventure of a lifetime? You get Festive France, a title filled with evocative photographs, amusing anecdotes and sumptuous recipes, celebrating the pleasures and pitfalls of rural life. The authors set off on an energetic journey through their beloved Auvergne, providing a tantalising glimpse of a life that many can only dream of. Buying a chateau, tracking down the perfect croissant, battles with bricklayers and bureaucrats, the rituals of the morning market - all are described with affection and humour and weave a rich tapestry of life deep in the heart of the French countryside. The flavour of France is brought to life by scores of mouth-watering recipes from the kitchen of their very own Chateau La Creuzette - recipes that are well within the capabilities of any enthusiastic home cook. So share with them the seductive pleasures of the French table - icy champagne, memorable meals and the company of good friends - c'est la vie!