Kitchen, fashion, hotel, gardens… On a sun lounger or on the terrace after work, these seven beautiful books, which are read and reread throughout the summer, inspire with their beauty and exciting story.
Always appreciated on a coffee table or in a library, the beautiful book, erected as an object of art and culture, tells stories in a new way sublimated by exceptional photographs. Selection.
Cheval Blanc by Assouline
Advice for hotel lovers. Assouline released in March 2025 a magnificent book on the history of the Cheval Blanc, an iconic brand in the travel sphere. It all started in 2006, when LVMH opened its first chalet in Courchevel. Today, the heritage of the Cheval Blanc extends to six destinations, from Saint-Barth to Saint-Tropez via Paris and Seychelles, and soon seven with Sardinia. Inviting to escape, the book translates, with sublime images, the souls of these luxury establishments designed by the greatest architects and decorators, such as Jean-Michel Gathy, Jacques Grange, Jean-Michel Wilmotte and Peter Marino.
Stone Age Ancient Castles of Europe by Taschen
Taschen has unveiled a book dedicated to the beautiful and surprising European castles, photographed by Frédéric Chaubin. He travelled to 200 places in 21 countries to take pictures of these remnants of the past. Accompanied by a map and an explanatory essay, they recount 400 years of history, from the medieval and feudal period to the 15th century.
Baglietto, The art of yachting since 1854 by Rizzoli
In this book published in April 2025, Rizzoli recounts the history of Baglietto on the occasion of the 170 years of the yacht brand. Since 1854, the Italian shipyard has been building world-famous ships in an ultra elegant style. Written by Antonio Macaluso, this exciting book is leafing in front of the sea and gives only one desire: to explore the ocean and the coasts on board a floating palace.
My France des Jardins by Flammarion
Stéphane Marie, animator of Silence, it grows! and expert in botany, proposes the book “Ma France des Jardins” published at Flammarion in May 2025. “I always thought that visiting a garden was also to get to know the spirit of its creator. This Tour de France will take you to beautiful gardens and also to wonderful people who have often dedicated most of their lives to offering them to us,” he explains. From Brittany to Burgundy Franche-Comté via Occitanie, this book immerses us in the splendor of the three-coloured gardens where flowers and trees meet in a poetic and bucolic environment.
Cagnard 70 recipes to cook when it hits hard by Editions de la Martinière
Chloé Josso and Emanuela Cino, respectively specialized in culinary scenography and photography, highlight 70 recipes to brighten the day. Sun cooking and summer scents mix in this book that opens the appetite. Perfect for the summer!
Chanel: The allure of makeup by Thames & Hudson
Want to know a little more about the makeup division of Chanel? Thames & Hudson reveals the history of the creation of the products of the French luxury house, whose first articles were launched in 1924. The book is structured in seven chapters around the emblematic colours of the brand: black, white, beige, red, pink, gold and blue. Each section highlights the talents who have developed these mythical products through unpublished archives and legendary advertisements.
Louvre Couture by Editions de la Martinière
The exhibition in Paris is presented in a book published by Editions de la Martinière and compiles the most beautiful silhouettes of major fashion houses, including Balmain, Dior and Schiaparelli. The looks are decrypted with the participation of art historians and artistic directors. Exclusive interviews are also available.
Read also : Our selection of beautiful books to take the pulse of the biggest cities
Featured photo : © Assouline
