Provence in Ten Easy Lessons

by Peter Mayle

No one knows Provence like beloved author Peter Mayle, and in this delightful collection—adapted from Provence A Francophile’s Essential Handbook—he distills his decades of living in France into ten essential lessons for visitors. Abandoning the well-trodden “best of” routes that can be found in any tourist guide, Mayle highlights local features vital to an authentic Provençal experience. From ruminations on the unique charms of each season to the art of the siesta, Mayle brings the warmth and beauty of the province vividly to life. And, of course, food and wine also get their due, as Mayle expounds the merits of pastis and a good rosé, explores the mystery of traditional market shopping, and more. Evocative and intimate, Provence in Ten Easy Lessons is charming yet practical reading for ticketed passengers and armchair travelers, alike.An eBook short.

Genres: Travel, France, Nonfiction

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 8, 2014

About the author

Peter Mayle was a British author famous for his series of books detailing life in Provence, France. He spent fifteen years in advertising before leaving the business in 1975 to write educational books, including a series on sex education for children and young people. In 1989, A Year in Provence was published and became an international bestseller. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages, and he was a contributing writer to magazines and newspapers. Indeed, his seventh book, A Year in Provence, chronicles a year in the life of a British expatriate who settled in the village of Ménerbes. His book A Good Year was the basis for the eponymous 2006 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring actor Russell Crowe. Peter Mayle died in Provence, France.

Reviews

[Aloke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The great advantage of this book is that it's short. But it could have been even shorter. I now present to you:

The Super-compressed Provence A-Z

Pastis, rosé, eating outside, cafés, lavender, herbs, melons, wet earth, truffles, Pastis again, farmers markets, olive trees, lavender again, pétanque, rude hand gestures, napping.

Fin

[Tim Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mayle Delivered!

ever since I read a year in provance I have loved Mayor's dry English witt, his saucy observations and wonderful descriptions of life in Provance. Totally worth your dime.

[Santhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books are my usual source of travel inspiration. Mayle's enticing portrayal of Provence's everyday pleasures set me dreaming of a coastal journey

[Amanda Baxter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Left Wanting More

I was hoping this would be filled with more details - names of markets, cafes, areas to explore. It was too general for me. I'm traveling to Provence this summer and was hoping this book would provide more insight into the area.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little read

Just solid info and advice on how to enjoy Provençe. I like his approach to travel and enjoying the real treasures.

[Charles Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little book

I lovely book to give one the essence of the place and its people. I really enjoyed reading this book and a very short read too.

[Robert Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total agreement

After living in Marseille for ten years I can wholly agree with Mr. Mayles observations of life in Provence. This is a must read for those who want to understand the essence of the real French.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointingly brief, this "handbook" offered virtually no guidance. If you're looking for a handbook for visiting Provence, this ain't it.

[Kevin Vrieze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful overview of Provence. Not a story, but great fun as a travel an culture guide.

[Keith Hemenway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great read video a year in province should also be seen it helps with seeing the people and landscapes of provence

[Amy Hilliges · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read of things to keep in mind for my trip to Provence this coming week. Nice turn of phrases -- "horizontal trial and error" to describe practiced nappers sharing their experiences --, good descriptions, for example the rude hand gestures, and some interesting facts. I'm currently reading Mayle's "French Lessons", which is food and wine focused, and I look forward to more detailed observations and explanations about the French culinary culture in Mayle's signature style.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much

[LivreChat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very short but always love the things in Provence depicted by Mayle, like the smell of hot coffee with croissants in cafe, or the changing nature in different seasons.