Provence for all Seasons: a journey

by Gordon Bitney

It’s almost spring, and the Bitneys have returned for another season in Provence amid the olive trees, orchards and vineyards. With the renovations of their villa almost done, there is now time to learn more about the land they want to live in... Great sights lie within easy the magnificent Roman Pont du Gard; Aix-en-Provence, where myriads of fountains blow water into the air; Arles, where Van Gogh painted his greatest masterpieces; and there are even unexpected festivals along the way. For Gordon Bitney, this also becomes his own personal adapting to another culture, learning French and finding his legs on a bicycle. His wry sense of humour about himself and others brings a measure of fun to every page. He says, ‘How can you resist a place that gets three hundred sunny days every year?’

236 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2012

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love it.

The author spends more time telling stories about his encounters with the quircky Provence people than writing about what makes Provence special. Peter Mahle already did that. It didn't have a focus. I bought this book as it was described as a man who gets interested in biking and there is very little of it. Also, the beginning just plops the writer into Nyons. Where is Nyons in Provence? How did they get there? Needed more of a back story I guess.

Maybe I'll have to write the definitive American bicycles in Provence book.