Peter Mayle and his wife did what most of us only image doing when they made their long-cherished dream of a life abroad a reality: throwing caution to the wind, they bought a glorious 200-year-old farmhouse in the Luberon and began a new life. In a year that begins with a marathon lunch and continues with a host of gastronomique delights, they also survive the unexpected and often hilarious curiosities of rural life. From mastering the local accent and enduring invasion by bumbling builders, to discovering the finer points of boules and goat-racing, all the earthly pleasures of provencal life are conjured up in this portrait.
Provence Series
Embark on a charming journey into the heart of the French countryside, where the idyllic pace of rural life meets the simple pleasures of good food and wine. Follow the experiences of newcomers navigating cultural nuances and embracing the authentic charm of a sun-drenched region. This series offers a delightful blend of gentle humor, keen observation, and a heartfelt appreciation for the beauty found in everyday moments.
Recommended Reading Order
The sequel to "A Year in Provence". Peter Mayle's love affair with the south of France continues and deepens. Now he's got most of the building work organized, he's had time for a few trips - to the Cannes Film Festival, the Menerbes dog show and the wine caves at Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Le bonheur en Provence
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
“Encore Provence” est la dernière partie de la trilogie de Peter Mayle, consacrée à la vie, aux mœurs et aux particularités d'une des régions les plus attrayantes de France. Après quatre ans d'absence, il revient pour entendre le récit d'un crime passionnel, construire un village idéal imaginaire, se promener à Marseille et déguster des plats dans une ancienne station-service. Il visite également une école de parfumerie non conventionnelle, se lance dans une expédition pour trouver le tire-bouchon parfait, prévoit de planter son propre olivier et explore le secret de la longévité provençale. Il propose des activités pratiques pour un après-midi d'été, passe une matinée sur un marché aux truffes et partage quelques raisons amusantes d'aimer la Provence. Immergé dans une diversité de saveurs, de sons, d'odeurs et de couleurs, le lecteur découvrira une fois de plus les charmes d'un lieu remarquable.
Related books
Tired and fed up, tycoon Simon Shaw seeks refuge in Provence, where he encounters a pretty Frenchwoman who lures him into purchasing a little hotel that proves far more troublesome than quaint. Reprint. 150,000 first printing.
Gli elefanti: Provenza dalla A alla Z
- 351 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Chi ama la Provenza trova in Peter Mayle una guida piacevole e informativa. In questa nuova esplorazione della regione che ama, Mayle raccoglie elementi e informazioni che catturano il paesaggio incantevole e la sua anima. In vent'anni ha accumulato una sorprendente varietà di notizie, fotografie, ricette e leggende locali. Esamina argomenti diversi come l'architettura, il violino nel patois locale, il pissadou (toilette) e il pastaga (pastis), gli esuli, il museo della Legione Straniera e quello del cavatappi, i papi ad Avignone, la lavanda e le curiosità linguistiche. Racconta anche il carattere dei provenzali e il fascino di Aix-en-Provence, le origini della Marsigliese e Fanny, l'eroina del folclore locale. Mayle guida il lettore attraverso i protagonisti dell'arte e della cultura che hanno reso unica la regione, da Petrarca a van Gogh, da Alphonse Daudet a Marcel Pagnol. Con il suo stile informato e leggero, descrive anche cibi e bevande, come vin rosé, tartufi, aïoli e bouillabaisse. Riccamente illustrato e evocativo, è una guida indispensabile per chi ama la Provenza, da consultare e leggere.
Provence from the Air
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
The author has joined forces with one of England's most admired painters to create a vibrant and evocative book that brings to life the exquisite countryside of southern France.