book data
553 ratings,
3.74
average rating, 62 reviews
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published
April 9th 2002
(first published 2001)
by Vintage
binding
Paperback, 240 pages
isbn
0375705619
(isbn13: 9780375705618)
description
Peter Mayle, author of the bestselling A Year in Provence has done it again--but differently. Traveling this time beyond his adopted Provence througho...more
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avg 3.74
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
If the goal of this book is to make the reader want to go on a food tour of France, then it 100% succeeded as far as I am concerned. The food descriptions in "French Lessons" were mouthwatering. I never wanted to eat frog legs until I read Mayle's descriptions of their buttery garlicy goodness.
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Read in March, 2009
Peter Mayles books are always a joy to read. His descriptions of food, people and colture teater on the border of hilarity and the bizare.
This book is fantastic, each chapter is a different aspect of the french life style (in food and drink) You feel the experiences as Mayle does. There are sections on cheese, frogs, chickens and so on. If food and humor (dry humor) are your delite, this is the book for you.
This book is fantastic, each chapter is a different aspect of the french life style (in food and drink) You feel the experiences as Mayle does. There are sections on cheese, frogs, chickens and so on. If food and humor (dry humor) are your delite, this is the book for you.
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Read in February, 2009
Funny, tasty and easy to read - I loved it and intend to travel the rest of France having Mr. Mayle as my guide through the tricks of French cooking and eating.
As the French say - as foreigner its only to be expected to know nothing about life and all. :)
As the French say - as foreigner its only to be expected to know nothing about life and all. :)
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Read in July, 2008
I think if you gave Peter Mayle a paper bag with a French name he would make it sound wonderful. This book is almost entirely devoted to the food of France. Mayle makes you feel that you are one of his friends chumming along for impassioned French lunches over truffles, snails, foi grais, and casoulet. At one point in the book Mayle actually attends church services in order to partake of the truffle infused meal that follows mass.
While this isn't as good as a Year in Provence (pa...more
While this isn't as good as a Year in Provence (pa...more
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Read in April, 2009
Typical Peter Mayle--fabulous writing, interesting subject, plus the added bonus of resources in the back if the reader wants to check out things for himself. For any foodie, francophile or combination of the two this book is a must read.
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Read in May, 2008
I found this book accidentally.. at an isle of discounted books in Kinokuniya.. so imagine my surprise!! It was 2nd day booksale at the store and I already went there twice.. But somehow I missed this book at the first visit. I've been a fan of Peter Mayle after his movie, A Good Year.. winery..life changing career..romance..Tuscany.. what more could you ask for in a story?
Anyway this will be the first Peter Mayle's book I'l read.. and it was so thin! So I'm savoring it.. like a piec...more
Anyway this will be the first Peter Mayle's book I'l read.. and it was so thin! So I'm savoring it.. like a piec...more
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Mayle provides a food tour through Provence to introduce the cheese fair at Livarot, gastronomic mollusc's in Martigny les Bains, and how blessed are the truffles of Richerenches.
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Read in January, 2009
Fun book about a guy who likes to eat and drink french wine and food. He goes to all kinds of different events to partake. I especially liked the marathon run by thousands of people (many of whom are dressed up in all kinds of costumes) who stop to drink wine along the way. Who wouldn't want to run that marathon?! Well, me, honestly...but I'd love to watch and drink! Good fun.
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Read in May, 2009
I seem to appreciate food and wine the same as the French.
I look forward to the day when I can experience some of the festivals discussed in the book.
I look forward to the day when I can experience some of the festivals discussed in the book.
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Read in February, 2003
We read these when we first started going to France and Europe. Provence is a most favoite destination. We really enjoyed all of Mayles books.
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Read in January, 2006
Horrifyingly mouth-watering. Delicious. Makes me realize I wanna eat what I wanna eat, and damn the nutritionists.
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A book any gastronome will love. Each chapter details a food or wine festival that the author visited in France. From truffles to cheeses and frogs, the stories will make you laugh and your stomach growl.
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Read in March, 2008
recommends it for:
Foodies and Travel buffs
It's nice to see Peter Mayle return to the genre for which he deservedly gained great success. He is an entertaining travel guide, and while these stories are not nearly as funny as his earlier odes to Provence, his trips around France to visit food festivals & other celebratory gastronomic events are enlightening and extremely satisfying. The chapters on the Michelin Guide; the Marathon du Médoc; and chickens from Bresse (who have their own appellation controllee!)were favorites.
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07/11/08
Becky
added it
Has a copy to sell/swap
—
Read in July, 2008
recommends it for:
anyone who loves food & wine
I loved reading this book! It was especially delicious as I have just returned from France. I have been lucky enough to ride through many of the areas in France he visits.
What is more fun to read about is the food and the wine!! Everything from an escargot festival to a "clothes optional" lunch to a drunken marathon!! What fun!
Not heavy reading, but a perfect match for a summer rose enjoyed out on the deck!!
bon appetit!!
What is more fun to read about is the food and the wine!! Everything from an escargot festival to a "clothes optional" lunch to a drunken marathon!! What fun!
Not heavy reading, but a perfect match for a summer rose enjoyed out on the deck!!
bon appetit!!
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Read in February, 2009
awesome. i MUST get to france.....
I always enjoy Peter Mayle and I believe this is my favorite of all his books. Peter takes you on a journey through France, eating along the way, learning local customs and histories, meeting unique natives, and showing you a side of France you would probably never see. This is one to read slowly, studying a map as you go, planning a trip to visit the small bistros he talks about. At least, that's what my husband and I did!!
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Read in October, 2008
This is the first book I have read by Peter Mayle and I found it enjoyable. I don’t think I truly understood how to read the book till I reached the chapter "Love at first sniff". Mayle’s description of the Livarot cheese (or le colonel) made my mouth water. That’s when I discovered that instead of just reading the book I should experience it by pairing the pages with a nice glass of wine (or two).
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