Books by Peter Mayle

The bestselling, much-loved classic account of an English couple enjoying the fruits of French rural living - an irresistible feast of humour and heart.Peter Mayle and his wife did what most of us only imagine doing when they made their long-cherished dream of a life abroad a reality: throwing caution to the wind, they bought a glorious two hundred year-old farmhouse in the Lub ron Valley and began a new life.In a year that begins with a marathon lunch and continues with a host of gastronomic 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 earthy pleasures of Proven al life are conjured up in this enchanting portrait.'One of the most successful travel books of all time... Mayle created a new travel genre' GuardianDelightful' Washington Post'Engaging, funny and richly appreciative' New York Times Book Review'Stylish, witty, delightfully readable' Sunday Times'I really loved this book' Julia Child

The beloved author Peter Mayle, champion of all things Provence, here in a final volume of all new writing, offers vivid recollections from his twenty-five years in the South of France--lessons learned, culinary delights enjoyed, and changes observed.Twenty-five years ago, Peter Mayle and his wife, Jennie, were rained out of a planned two weeks on the Côte d'Azur. In search of sunlight, they set off for Aix-en-Provence; enchanted by the world and life they found there, they soon decided to uproot their lives in England and settle in Provence. They have never looked back. As Mayle tells us, a cup of café might now cost three euros--but that price still buys you a front-row seat to the charming and indelible parade of village life. After the coffee, you might drive to see a lavender field that has bloomed every year for centuries, or stroll through the ancient history that coexists alongside Marseille's metropolitan bustle. Modern life may have seeped into sleepy Provence, but its magic remains.With his signature warmth, wit, and humor--and twenty-five years of experience--Peter Mayle is a one-of-a-kind guide to the continuing appeal of Provence. This thoughtful, vivid exploration of life well-lived, à la Provence, will charm longtime fans and a new generation of readers alike.

*NOW A MAJOR FEEL-GOOD FILM STARRING RUSSELL CROWE*When he left depressing, drizzly London for a sun-soaked vineyard in Southern France, he was expecting to find a savvy business investment. Instead, he found himself.Meet Max Skinner. Max spends his days trading stocks in the City, his nights flirting with beautiful women in bars. He's successful, well-paid, good-looking for his age . . . but the reality is that he's lost. And in the grey maze of London's Square Mile, there's no clear escape route.After a disappointment at work causes him to resign, he receives a letter telling him that his uncle Henry has passed away, leaving him an estate and vineyard in Provence.Slowly, memories of the magical summers he spent on the vineyard as a boy start to return to him. And then there's the matter of beautiful, magnetic waitress Fanny Chenal. Not to mention the American backpacker who's just turned up on his doorstep, claiming that Uncle Henry was her father. The ultimate feel-good read, A Good Year is a love letter to second chances, simple pleasures, and how the wonder we thought we'd lost in our childhood was with us all along. You might just have to go on a journey to find it again.**'The only thing wrong I found with this story is that it ended' - Goodreads reviewer'Irresistible' - BookPage

For more than twenty years, the internationally bestselling team behind Where Did I Come From? has helped millions of parents and children talk about the facts of life in a straightforward yet lighthearted way that is respectful of young people's natural intelligence. Warmly and relatably illustrated throughout, What's Happening to Me? creates a safe space where families can talk about the physical and emotional changes that happen during puberty and adolescence, answering the questions that kids ask most often. Why is my chest getting bumpy? What's a wet dream? What's a period? Why is my voice acting so funny? Why do I get pimples? What's an erection? Why am I getting hairy? Why is mine not like his? This book answers the big questions, and explains the big changes. One look at the illustrations will tell you that this is not a dull medical textbook but rather it presents the facts of puberty, and it presents them with honesty, sympathy and a sense of humor. If you've been wondering how to have this talk with your children, look no further for a trusted resource that will give you the tools you need to share this critical information sensitively and factually. "You can't deny Mayle's talent for translating adult experience into child-level concepts." -Kirkus Reviews

The third spellbinding volume in the series begun by A Year in Provence, ENCORE PROVENCE continues the account of an English couple's life abroad. Among other curiosities, explore a school for noses in Haute Provence, the mysterious death of an oversexed butcher, the quest for the finest bouillabaisse and an assortment of the characters who lie in wait in bars and on boules courts. And, of course, the essential importance of lunch. BON APPETIT!'One of the most successful travel books of all time... Mayle created anew travel genre' GuardianDelightful' Washington Post'Engaging, funny and richlyappreciative' New York Times Book Review'Stylish, witty, delightfully readable' SundayTimes

A diverting and witty crime novel by the renowned author of A Year in Provence.

A second idyllic helping of rural life in France from the bestselling author of the classic A YEAR IN PROVENCE. Skulking through customs with a suitcase full of truffles, toads singing the Marseillaise, taking pastis lessons and finding gold at the bottom of the garden, you might think there is little time left for pleasures of the table.TOUJOURS PROVENCE proves that while you might not be able to get away from it all, you can have fun trying.'Peter Mayle's idyllic portrait makes you almost taste the wonderful food and wine, feel the sun and balmy breezes' Sunday Express'Anyone with any feel for the land and the people who lead their lives close to it will be enchanted' Yorkshire Evening Post'Splendidly amusing... filled with things which will help you to understand, at least in part, the glory of this wonderful place' Dirk Bogarde

Gastronomy is a wonderful starting point to study France and the French. As the retired schoolmaster from Provence says 'The religion of France is food. And wine, of course.' And they put their money where their mouth is, spending a greater proportion of their income on food and drink than any other nation in the world. Literally hundreds of gastronomic fairs and festivals take place throughout the year all over France - a frog fair, an hommage to the sausage, to the turnip, to the quiche and the noble Camembert. What kind of person is a snail-fancier? Is there a brotherhood of sausage connoisseurs? How can you devote an entire weekend to the French fry? Peter Mayle finds out and brings hilariously and affectionately to life the people who can get passionate about a frog's leg or a well-turned omelette. Over ten years ago he transformed our feelings about Provence, now he captures the irresistible essence of France herself - and her food.