Here at Citizen Femme, we love a good coffee table book. Anything from food to fashion, design to architecture. And of course, travel.
Not only are they a great gift for the travel lovers in our lives – or indeed for ourselves – they’re statement pieces, taking us on a journey across dramatic landscapes, or giving us a peek inside exclusive resorts. These are some of the latest travel books – all published in 2022 – that are making us want to pack our bags. Again.
1. Louis Vuitton’s Mediterranean Sea
Louis Vuitton has dedicated the latest instalment of their Travel Book collection, the 27th in the series, to the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea, seen through an artist’s eyes. It’s beautifully illustrated, in a somewhat abstract manner, by French artist, Aurore de la Morinerie, who defines it as ‘wandering in an interior sea, filled with living creatures and forever in movement’”. This book is a work of art from cover to cover, and we’re ready to dive deep.
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2. St Barths Freedom
It’s safe to say we’re slightly obsessed with Assouline’s iconic Travel Series books, and their newest, St. Barths Freedom, which brings to life all the secrets of the Caribbean sands, is no exception. With text and photographs by the British journalist Vassi Chamberlain, who fell in love with the island twenty years ago, this book is a perfect blend of nature and glamour.
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3. Colorful World
This whimsical trip around the world is ideal for fun-loving travellers. Fashion designer Mira Mikati visited the most colourful places in the world, from China to Peru, and Greece to Colombia, to gather photographs and share her enthusiasm for travelling in a joyful way. Published by Rizzoli books, this pop of colour will brighten your collection.
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4. Treasures of Ukraine
Thames & Hudson render homage to the beauty of Ukraine in this newly published book. With a foreword by acclaimed Ukrainian novelist Andrey Kurkov, the book celebrates the country’s historical architecture and contribution to the arts. An impactful read with a charitable objective: all proceeds go to the non-profit organisation PEN Ukraine, who supports Ukrainian artists and institutions.
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5. Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation
If, like us, you can’t let summer go just yet, this book will bring rays of Italian sunshine right into your living room. Author Cesare Cunnacia takes us on a tour of the Belmond properties, in some of the most beautiful locations on the Italian peninsula. From Florence to Portofino, this guide to the Italian way of travel is the ultimate in luxury travel inspiration.
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6. Saudi Arabia: Jeddah Al-Balad, Assouline
Travel all the way to the city of Jeddah Al-Balad in Saudi Arabia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to discover its rich history, and stunning architecture. Part of a six-books collection about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia published by Assouline, this book explores the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Jeddah, the gateway for pilgrimage to the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina.
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7. Great Escapes: Alps. The Hotel Book, Taschen
For the mountain enthusiasts seeking to plan their next holiday, this voyage through the Alps published by Taschen is a must-read. As part of their Hotel Books series, it’s a collection of the best locations to stay in the region, from modern palaces to remote chalets. Between luxury retreats and hikes in the middle of nature, it has something for everyone to enjoy.
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8. Rooftops of Paris
No travel-related coffee table book collection is complete without a stop in Paris, and Rooftops of Paris is a unique treat for all Francophiles. Published in both French and English, this is a panoramic journey through the French capital’s rooftops. French photographer Laurent Dequick captures the city using unique angles and light, giving readers a view of one of the most iconic cityscapes in a way they’ve never seen before. Even more unique is the book’s layout, an accordion-style concertina that stretches up to 125 feet when fully unfolded. A real conversation-starter.
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9. Milan Chic
Milan is for those who like a blend of history and modernity, and Milan Chic – published by Assouline – reveals all of the city’s beauty and secrets. Known as the fashion capital of Italy, and a mecca for interior design, Milan is also a city of hidden artistic and architectural treasures. Author Massimo Nava and photographer Oberto Gili uncover it, taking us beyond the beautiful façades and into the heart of the city. We can’t get enough of it.
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10.Water Views: Rivers, Lake, Oceans
Ideal for the nature-lovers looking for an escape from city life, this collection of aerial photographs by renowned artist David Ondaatje, captures bodies of water all over the world. It’s a love letter to nature visiting from Montana, Lake Como, the Bahamas and more.
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