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Côtes d'Armor (22)

Binic
Dinan
Ile de Brehat
Paimpol
Perros-Guirec
Pléneuf-Val-André
Plévenon
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St Brieuc
Saint Quay Portrieux

Finistère (29)

Brignogan Plages
Camaret-sur-Mer
Crozon
Douarnenez
Huelgoat
Ille de Batz
Locronan
Plouezoc'h
Roscoff
Santec

Ille et Vilaine (35)

Cancale
Dinard
Fougères
Mont Saint Michel
Paimpont
Saint-Briac sur Mer
Saint Malo
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Vitré

Morbihan (56)

Arradon
Arzon
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Île aux Moines
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Recommended Books

Pardon my French
This is definitely a Very Useful Book if you're planning to come to France, be it as a new resident or just for a holiday. Moreover it's highly entertaining as well. Don't worry if your spoken French isn't too good, this is not a dry textbook to improve it. Instead the author has compiled a list of words relating to some of the more incongruous, incomprehensible, or downright ennervating aspects of this country and goes on to explain not just what they mean but also what they might imply for the unwary.
The result is not only informative and educational, but also manages to be a very good read at the same time. If France were a desert island this is maybe the one book you'd have to take with you... More information

Speak the Culture
Even as Eurostar relocates to a gloriously refurbished St Pancras station and the journey time between London and Paris is shaved even closer, more and more people on both sides of the Channel are taking advantage of the extra opportunities this highly cherishable link offers us. And for those already in love with France (not to mention the ever-increasing legions of converts), Speak the Culture: France will be an invaluable aid and companion. Actually, no publisher has attempted anything quite like this, and the publishers Thorogood are to be much applauded for their ingenuity and achievement. The subtitle is Be fluent in French Life and Culture, and that facility is just what this remarkable volume offers, cramming an amazing mass of information into its well-designed pages. Everything is here, from French art and literature, architecture, media, sport, fashion and (of course) food and drink. But while not being in the slightest dumbed down, the information here (while often dealing with such weighty subjects as Proust and French existential philosophers) is delivered in a concise and highly accessible style (and aided considerably by the clever graphics which have a nicely self-mocking subtext -- when was that last seen in a book on a foreign country?). More information

Tout Sweet
The book is well written and very witty with strong likeable characters. You cannot help but fall in love with the author's character. She seems like a Bridget Jones let loose in the French countryside, getting into a lot of funny situations with both ex-pat English and French locals like, as she adjusts to a totally different way of life.
It gives hope to anyone who is considering escaping the UK for a better way of life, that no matter what your background is, you can succeed in the face of adversity and have some great fun along the way.
This book will make you laugh out loud, it's such a great read. It was difficult to put down once I had opened the front cover.
Well worth the money! More information

Undiscovered France
Writer and journalist Brigitte Tilleray and photographer Richard Turpin take the reader on a tour of the spectacular hidden France. Brigitte's lively and evocative text and Richard's photography attempt to capture the very essence of French village life: quaint corners of fortified hamlets; enticing vistas from fairytale village perches; and colourful scenes as villagers meet to exchange goods and gossip in the weekly market. More information

Serge Bastarde Ate My Baguette
John Dummer's sharply focused descriptions of the landscape, towns and villages, and the weather of the South West of France form a animated background for a series of adventures with an array of characters from some intimidating and belligerent peasants, only softened by a mutual love of the blues harmonica, to a sad little old man whose only companionship is a collection of antique dolls. The main character is Serge Bastarde, the brocanteur and mentor to the author and instigator of these adventures, and Dummer was not making the name up! This archetypal lovable rogue springs off the pages with great energy and good humour, and made this reviewer wonder what a splendid character for a TV series and who would play him. This book is an engaging and entertaining read with a style both literary and colloquial, very good descriptions merged with references to an alcoholic past as a blues drummer to his finding happiness with his wife and a very unconventional lifestyle in rural France. John Dummer can add storyteller to the list of his accomplishments. More information

Barefoot in Paris
Hearty boeuf Bourguignon served in deep bowls over a garlic-rubbed slice of baguette toast; decadently rich croquet monsieur, eggy and oozing with cheese; gossamer creme brulee, its sweetness offset by a brittle burnt-sugar topping. Whether shared in a cosy French bistro or in your own home, the romance and enduring appeal of French country cooking is irrefutable. Here is the book that helps you bring that spirit, those evocative dishes, into your own home. Ina Garten is known for adding a special twist to familiar dishes, while also streamlining the recipes so you spend less time in the kitchen but still emerge with perfection. And that's exactly what she offers in Barefoot in Paris. Ina's kir royal includes the unique addition of raspberry liqueur - a refreshing alternative to the traditional creme de cassis. Her vichyssoise is brightened with the addition of zucchini, and her chocolate mousse is deeply flavoured with the essence of orange. All of these dishes are true to their Parisian roots, but all offer something special - and are thoroughly delicious, completely accessible, and the perfect fare for friends and family. More information

A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi
Vocabulary alone isn't enough. To survive in the most sophisticated and the most scathing nation on Earth you will need to understand the many peculiarities of the (very peculiar) French culture.
And for that you need A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi. If you want to fit in with the French you'll have to know how to deal with sardonic waiters; why French children hate Charlemagne; the etiquette of kissing, joke-telling and drinking songs, what to do with a bidet, the correct recipe for a salade nicoise and, of course, how to convey absolute, shattering indifference with a single syllable (Bof!).
Charles Timoney, the author of Pardon My French, provides a practical, pleasurable guide to the charms of the Gallic people from their daily routines to their peerless gesticulations, from their come-ons to their put-downs. Read on and put the oh la la back into your French vacances. Your inner gaul will thank you for it. More information

A Table in the Tarn
While walking in South-west France, cook and journalist Orlando Murrin dreamed up the adventure of a lifetime: why not wave goodbye to the rat race and come to live in this rural paradise, where the only traffic is the boulangerie van delivering baguettes? His book tells the story of how he set up a boutique b&b and includes 100 amazing recipes. The story of the Manoir de Raynaudes begins on New Year's Eve 2001 when Orlando and his partner first glimpse the ruined manoir at dusk. Set in 13 acres of lush meadow, woodland, lakes and garden, they set about transforming the dignified old manor house into a phenomenally successful boutique b&b with its own magnificent kitchen garden. A Table in the Tarn charts the discovery, acquisition and renovation of the property. Along the way, we learn about the local food scene, with its astonishingly rich heritage of ingredients and dishes, about working in France and coping with the famous French bureaucracy, and about the unforeseen delight of working with the locals.Four years on, with countless plaudits and a coveted entry in the classy Mr and Mrs Smith directory, the business attracts visitors from around the world and continues to be a gastronomic destination for anyone seeking peace, tranquillity and above all fantastic food. Everything at the Manoir is home made, from breakfast breads to after-dinner chocolates, and the book includes 100 recipes. From the sublime Roquefort Brioche via Savoury Mini Clafoutis and Roast Pigeon Breasts in Armagnac to the unparalleled Chocolate Nirvana with Creme Anglaise, this collection of recipes offers a vivid experience of life in rural France. More information

Rose en Marché
ROSE EN MARCHE is the third title in the delightful 'rose' series by Jamie Ivey, and involves Tanya and Jamie selling rose in French markets. They rent a flat in Saint Remy de Provence and work in the town's market as well as three or four other local markets. There is, of course, the odd flying visit from their old friend Peter Tate. The Iveys decide to set up their own market stall in the exquisite Provencal town of Saint Remy. But they quickly uncover a battle ground. Artisan traders fight competitors selling imports of lavender from Bulgaria, rip off tableware from China and wholesale vegetables artificially smattered with dirt. Rumours of bribery and corruption are ever present as traders scramble for the best pitches. But can the Iveys make a go of their own stall...? More information

Festive France
For more information on this book, either double click on the image or the following link.. More information

The French Market
Following the success of "The French Kitchen", Joanne Harris and Fran Warde have collaborated once more to write a French cookbook with a difference. This time they have taken their inspiration from the rural markets of Gascony. Tomatoes as nature intended them to be - large, misshapen and bursting with taste - sun-ripened melons, locally produced foie gras, air-dried goat's cheeses rolled in herbs, organic honey, persimmons and floc (a uniquely addictive combination of freshly pressed grape juice and aged Armagnac), all form the basis of a deliciously simple collection of recipes that recapture all the sensations and flavours of summertime. Traditional dishes like cassoulet, beef bourguignon and creme caramel, as well as creative reinterpretations of old favourites - chilli duck with orange salad and wild mushroom tartlets - all combine to make "The French Market" a recipe for success. More information

Brittany - A Concise History
Prior to its incorporation into France in 1532, the Breton Dukes maintained Brittany's independence as a Celtic nation first established by Nomenoe in the 9th century. As a region of France, the Breton language and culture has been in a long and gradual decline. Yet over the past thirty years, Brittany has successfully been reasserting its linguistic and political identity. Written and presented in an accessible style, this book will also prove popular with travellers and the general public. It is an ideal introduction to Brittany for students of French and Breton history, as well as Celtic Studies. More information

From Beachhead to Brittany
In this highly anticipated sequel to his acclaimed "Beyond the Beachhead", World War II historian Joseph Balkoski follows the U.S. 29th Infantry Division out of Normandy and into Brittany in the northwest corner of France, where the division was tasked with seizing the port of Brest. The Germans, including elite paratroopers, fought fiercely for every inch of ground and inflicted heavy casualties on the Americans during bloody house-to-house fighting. By the time the German defenders surrendered, the Allies had taken other ports, thus rendering Brest nearly useless and casting controversy on the decision to capture it in the first place. Balkoski tells the story of the battle, from the generals who ordered the attack to the infantrymen who slogged through the streets of Brest. More information

Secret Flotillas
With the fall of France, almost the entire coastline of Western Europe was in German hands. Clandestine sea transport operations provided lines of vital intelligence for wartime Britain. These "secret flotillas" landed and picked up agents in and from France, and ferried Allied evaders and escapees. This activity was crucial to the SIS (Secret Intelligence Service) and the SOE (Special Operations Executive). This authoritative publication by the official historian, the late Sir Brooks Richards, vividly describes and analyses the clandestine naval operations that took place during World War Two. The account has been made possible through Sir Brooks' access to closed government archives, combined with his own wartime experiences and the recollections of many of those involved. First published in 1996, the original edition included descriptions of naval operations off French North Africa. The history has now been amended and expanded by Sir Brooks and is now published in two volumes. This first volume now concentrates on the sea lines to Brittany. Operations from French North Africa now form part of the second volume, which also includes operations in the Adriatic around Italy. More information

101 French Idioms
Intermediate This whimsical collection of colloquialisms entertains students while providing insight into French-language idioms, customs, and humor. Grouped according to theme - from "Our Animal Friends" to "Speaking About the Body" to "Food for Thought" - the idioms are illustrated with humorous cartoons that provide keys to understanding the literal and real meanings. More information

101 French Proverbs
101 French Proverbs is a delightful introduction to the colorful and insightful proverbs that French speakers use every day. The 101 proverbs are grouped according to useful themes such as animals, occupations, dining, daily life, people, and others. More information

1001 Most Useful French Words
Written by Marcella Ottolenghi Bauxbaum it is only 54 pages long but contains a lot more than it first seems. The book is almost like a dictionary but a little more helpful as it puts words into context to get their true meaning. Unlike a dictionary which normally contains one section for French > English, this one only contains the French. More information

12 000 French Verbs
This well presented book, in English edition, is the book you will find in every French houshold. There they use it to help conjugate the thousands of irregular French verbs, in all their tenses, for their childrens' school work and for use in everyday speech. Here, for anyone learning French, grammar is a top priority and this book's simple format with each verb set out on it's own page with conjugations for every tense you will ever need (and probably some you won't too!) takes out all the effort. More information

Complete French Grammar Review
A brand-new title in the foreign language "Grammar Review" series, this book covers virtually every rule of French grammar and usage. Following a summary of rules for correct pronunciation and spelling, the author goes on to review verb tenses, as well as reflexive verbs, the subjunctive, the imperative, and infinitive verb forms. Rules governing nouns, pronouns modifiers, prepositions, interrogatives, and negative forms are also examined in detail. The book's final chapters cover miscellaneous topics such as numbers, time and dates, idioms, synonyms, antonyms, and cognates. More information

Easy French Reader
Learn how to read in French - starting right now! "The Easy Reader Series" books are unique, easy-to-follow guides based on the premise that the best way to learn a language is to start reading it immediately! Whether you're a brand-new beginner or an advanced-beginning learner, the new editions of these popular titles give you ways to dive into the language with engaging readings that progress in difficulty to match your growing reading skills. This process will allow you to rapidly build comprehension and confidence as you enjoy the stories. "Easy French Reader" begins with the adventures of two friends, an American and a Parisian, as they learn about their respective cultures. As you read about their experiences, you'll discover the nuances of language and culture right along with the students.The next section contains a colorful history of France, from ancient Gaul to the present, offering biographical sketches of famous personalities including Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, and Napoleon. The final section features four abridged short stories by famous French authors that allow you to practice your grammar and vocabulary skills on authentic works of French literature. Progressive format makes it easy to quickly build comprehension. Marginal word glossaries conveniently present new words and phrases. Exercises challenge language comprehension and build reading skills. Fully updated new editions, featuring expanded exercises and answer key. More information

The Most Beautiful Villages of Brittany
A visual and verbal account of 31 villages and islands in one of Europe's most popular tourist spots. The villages are drawn from the four departments of modern-day Brittany: Finistere, Morbihan, Ille-et-Vilaine and Cotes-d'Armor. Brittany is very distinct from the rest of France. It is a place of dramatic contrasts - a jagged coastline, fertile plains and wild moorland. Its people and culture are Celtic; legend has it that King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table gathered in the Forest of Paimpont, and that Merlin is buried close by. Centuries of religious piety are enshrined in Breton architecture. Brittany's vigorous and varied village life and architecture are captured here in James Bentley's commentaries and Hugh Palmer's evocative photographs. More information

Walking the Brittany Coast
"Walking the Brittany Coast" gives a comprehensive picture of the best coastal walking in Brittany. Each volume contains directions, maps, features, sights, details of accommodation and services, as well as planning advice for getting the most out of a walking break, whether for a day or a month. Numerous colour photographs give the flavour of an immensely varied littoral - cliffs, beaches, dunes, estuaries, marshes, promontories and ports. Background features cover aspects such as geology, bird-watching, flora, history, archaeology, legends and economic activities. Much of the route is based on the famous GR34 coastal path, with full directions and schematic maps for the entire coast-line from the bay of Mont St-Michel to Benodet. Vol 2: Morlaix to Benodet - includes highlights of the remarkable rock formations of the Cote Pagan, the spectacular wild walking of the Crozon peninsula, the blustery cliffs of the Pointe du Raz and the vast bay of Audierne in Pays Bigouden. More information

The Nantes-Brest Canal
A comprehensive and well-illustrated guide to the 365km Nantes-Brest canal, providing key information for planning and executing a long-distance walk or simply enjoying a short stroll along Brittany's most impressive waterway. The entire towpath route is divided into large-scale sections for easy reference. The maps show locks, roads, towns and villages; landscape and places of interest; accommodation near the canal (hotels, B and B, hostels, camping), restaurants, cafes, bars; location of shops & provisions. Reference sections provide contact details to assist with planning a long-distance walk or ride along the canal. A detailed introduction traces the history of the canal from its origins in Napoleonic times and construction early in the 19th century, through a brief economic heyday and tragic decline, to today's role as an outstanding leisure resource. More information

Walking in Finistère
This book gives full details (maps, directions, photographs) of 36 circular walks in Finistere. These vary in length and terrain to give a wide choice for all moods and abilities. They include some spectacular coastal routes, together with country and riverside walks in the less well-known interior of the department, and even a few town walks. Many feature sights of historic or archaeological interest in addition to the intrinsic attraction of Finistere's varied landscape. Suggestions in brief for 45 other walks are also given. More information

Walking Brittany
WALKING BRITTANY discovers the most attractive and often little-known parts of this beautiful holiday region. 28 walks are described in detail with maps and photographs, with suggestions for over a hundred more - enough to create your own self-styled walking holiday based on the location of your choice. Amble through the beech forest at Fougeres or follow in the footsteps of Gauguin at Pont-Aven. Enjoy a family outing to the wonders of the Pink Granite Coast or the strange rock formations at Huelgoat. Off-the-beaten-track, explore the megaliths of St-Just or investigate the legends of King Arthur in the Forest of Paimpont. For an energetic hike, try Menez-Hom or Menez-Mikel, the "mountains" of Brittany. More information

Walk Brittany
Whether traversing wild, untenanted moorland or roaming across bucolic countryside, whether discovering an orchid-lined pilgrim s way or exploring a fairy tale trail winding through ancient woodland, whether strolling alongside an idyllic trout stream or scrambling across a cataract of rocks, whether burrowing along a bowery path flanked by mossy embankments or following the airy contours of the spectacular coastal path, whether weaving between delicately sculpted dunes or wandering across the flat sands of the tideland, whether gazing at the wide blue horizon from a wind battered headland or simply lounging about taking a break on a breathtakingly beautiful beach, visitors to Brittany soon realise it is a perfect place for getting away from it all . Boasting more than 3,000 kilometres of waymarked paths, a tourist infrastructure that is highly developed without being obtrusive, and regular budget flights, the region has all you need for a long-weekend away or a full walking holiday. Aimed at both the casual visitor and the long-term resident, this book details the extraordinary variety of walking in Brittany, from easy strolls to challenging long-distance outings, featuring forty itineraries in Finistere, Cotes d Armor, and Ille et Vilaine. Walking routes include: walking route summary; ratings for Effort, Time, Distance, Ascents/Descents, Refreshments and Vertigo-risk; fully detailed walking description, including frequent timings to aid navigation and check your progress; GPS waypoints at every key point on every route; full colour 1:25,000 scale IGN licensed mapping for each route; short walk and stroll alternatives. More information

Walking the Brittany Coast
"Walking the Brittany Coast" gives a comprehensive picture of the best coastal walking in Brittany. Each volume contains directions, maps, features, sights, details of accommodation and services, as well as planning advice for getting the most out of a walking break, whether for a day or a month. Numerous colour photographs give the flavour of an immensely varied littoral - cliffs, beaches, dunes, estuaries, marshes, promontories and ports. Background features cover aspects such as geology, bird-watching, flora, history, archaeology, legends and economic activities. Much of the route is based on the famous GR34 coastal path, with full directions and schematic maps for the entire coast-line. Vol 1 features Mont St-Michel to Morlaix. Highlights include the walled city of St-Malo, Cap Frehel, the vast sandy beaches of Sables-d'Or-les-Pins and Le Val-Andre, the Pink Granite coast, the old river ports of Tregor, and the Bay of Morlaix. More information

Landscapes ofBrittany
Part of a series of pocket guides designed to take visitors away from the tourist centres and out into the countryside, exploring by public or private transport, or on foot. This book on Brittany is divided into three sections: car tours (with a colour pull-out touring map), picnics, and walks for all ages and abilities. All walks are described in full and illustrated with large-scale maps (scale 1: 40,000). Each book also contains up-to-date timetables for public transport. More information

French Experience 1
Hundreds of thousands of people have already learned French with the popular beginners’ course, The French Experience. At home or in a class, you can use this hugely successful course to develop your listening and speaking skills. You can also gain valuable insights into French culture. Using the extensive range of media available, from the course book, to the audio CDs or cassettes, to the popular accompanying television series and free online activities, The French Experience can help you reach the equivalent level of a first qualification, such as GCSE. More information

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Recommended Books

France (Lonely Planet Country Guide)
This book features new colour food chapter highlighting the regional diversity of cuisine, including in-depth information on cheese, bread and charcuterie.Local voice interviews give reader's a window into the people who define French culture. It provides in-depth coverage of French culture, food & wine, plus thorough explanations about how all these are intertwined and inseparable.We have included increased coverage of how and where to travel sustainably and support businesses that make a concerted effort to minimise their impact on the environment. More information

The Rough Guide to France
The Rough Guide to France is the ultimate travel guide with detailed coverage of the best attractions France has to offer. Discover the vibrant regions of France, from the chateaux of the Loire, to the wineries of Burgundy and the rugged pistes of the Alps, with fully revised and updated maps of France. Discover the best regions for skiing and snowboarding, whilst relying on up-to-date descriptions of the best hotels in France, the best bars in France and the best restaurants in France, whatever your budget. New full-colour features explore the most scenic walks in France, French food and the vibrant festivals of France. You’ll find a comprehensive guide to the best of France’s varied landscapes and cities from Paris, Brittany and Normandy to Alsace and Lorraine, combined with detailed practical advice on the spectacular Dordogne, Pyrenees, Cote d’Azur and Corsica regions. The Rough Guide to France will lead you to the best attractions and activities to make the most of your time and money. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to France! More information

101 Beautiful Small Towns in France
This book is a one-of-a-kind tour through the charms of small French towns. Each town is as remarkably varied as the many different regions of the country, shaped and influenced by geography, climate, and history. Travel between hilltop hamlets in the Central Massif and in the Pyrenees to rockbound coastal fishing villages in Normandy and Brittany to the ancient woodsy towns of Alsace with their half-timbered Hansel-and-Gretel architecture and fortress-like castles. Sidebars offer invaluable information on local curiosities and delights to explore, unique artisanal products to buy, local wines to savor, and age-old culinary specialties to sample. A detailed appendix tells you where to shop, sight see, eat, and drink-avec plaisir! Beautiful as well as informative, 101 Beautiful Small Towns in France is a tour through the delights of the French countryside a place where the pace slows down, locals engage strangers in conversation, and every town has its local specialty.
Beautiful, full-color photographs create the perfect atmosphere as you wander the alleys with the locals in an unexplored town that will prove once and for all that the heart and soul of France lies in the countryside far from the grandeur and pomp of Paris. More information

Living in France
Living in France is a hands-on, practical guide for Britons who have bought a house in France, either for holiday use or as a permanent home. Written by a long-time French resident, it takes a nitty-gritty approach to what it is really like for a British ex-pat to live and work in France, looking squarely at both the pleasures and the difficulties. The book also contains anecdotes from the author along with case studies so that the reader may benefit from the personal experience of other Britons who have made the move to France. More information

The Secret Life of France
This book, which tells BBC journalist Lucy Wadham's first person account story of how she moved to France at the age of eighteen, fell for a Frenchman, subsequently married him and had his children. Her narrative style flows well and is easy to read and as a result, the book really draws you into her story. I particularly liked the way in which Wadham writes how she immersed herself into the French way of life without losing her wry English sense of humour and scepticism.
The chapters which cover subjects such as the French way of committing adultery "the secret garden", being a woman, childbirth, comedy and education are all well-crafted and blend Wadham's own experiences with published sources. I must confess that I wasn't aware of many of the issues raised and laughed when I read that French women are issued with a special device to tone their pelvic floor muscles after birth - can you imagine the NHS issuing such a widget? The chapter on education was also excellent and in many ways shows up the inadequacy of the English state system. More information

One Hundred and One Beautiful Towns in France: Food and Wine
A regionally organized and lavishly photographed tour of some of France's most noted culinary regions celebrates their classic dishes and drinks, from Normandy and its apple brandy, to Brittany and its savory galettes, to Alsace and its cheese tarts. 25,000 first printing. More information

I'll Never be French
For more information on this book, either double click on the image or the following link.. More information

The Food of France
Each recipe is photographed as it is made, and is accompanied by pictures of techniques, equipment and ingredients, while stunning photographs shot on location in each country evoke their distinctive colour, cultures and histories. The Food of France gives you a real taste of a country that has made food one of the great joys of everyday life. Journey from the restaurants of Lyon to the kitchens of Provence, through the vineyards of Bordeaux to the bakeries of Paris. More information

A Summer in Gascony
The only travel writing book on Gascony, A Summer in Gascony is a charming and humorous tale of an extraordinary summer spent in this relatively unknown part of south-western France, the home of D Artagnan, Cyrano de Bergerac, gutsy red wine, fine sweet wine Armagnac and sunflowers.
It is a tale of two love affairs: an idyllic summer romance and a lifelong love affair with Gascony with its village festivals, dusty roads and sun-baked wine country. Stretching from Toulouse in the east to the Atlantic coast in the west, from the river Garonne in the north to the Pyrenees in the south, Gascony is a golden land of rolling hills and wide horizons, swathed with vineyards, sunflowers, maize and pastures. It has a distinct identity which sets it apart from the rest of France and old affinities with England: the Gascons fought alongside the English in the Middle Ages and the Napoleonic Wars against their common foe the French. In the tiny hamlet of Peguilhan, Martin Calder is introduced to the Gascon way of life: working in the fields, shepherding and slaughtering sheep, feeding the cattle, harvesting the wheat, watering the crops. He discovers a unique people, fiercely proud of their independent heritage.
Full of colourful characters: the charismatic and convivial Jacques-Henri, the hardworking farmer whose family take Martin into their home and hearts; the yoga-practising Germans; Pattes, the mischievous stray dog; Madame Parle-Beaucoup , the town gossip and Monsieur Fustignac, whose pride in his Gascon heritage is unforgettable. But the real star of the book is Gascony itself, with its strong spirit of independence and the simple pleasures it provides. Written by a true Francophile who has come to know the people and understands their way of life, A Summer in Gascony evokes the spirit, sights, smells and sounds of this still relatively unknown and unspoiled other South of France . More information

Detour De France
Though happy enough with his lot, Michael Simkins has never truly shaken the nagging doubt - helpfully upheld by his partner Julia - that he somehow lacks worldly sophistication. While she spent her teenage years as a nanny on a boat moored at Cannes, his utter lack of travel experience (Weymouth, Cleethorpes and a day trip to Dieppe) still has the power to shock people into leaving dinner parties early. So as he hits middle-age, Michael takes up the challenge of broadening his horizons. He decides to improve himself in the same way English gentlemen lacking refined edges have for centuries: by learning from our more cultured French neighbours. Michael, an English provincial ingenue, sets off to discover just what the Gallic nation can teach him and the rest of us Anglo-Saxons about living the good life with equal parts elan and savoir-faire. Armed only with 50 Useful Phrases in French, he waits to see if his odyssey from La Manche to the Riviera will finally turn him from the scotch-egg eating spawn of Anne Widdecombe and John McCririck into the champagne-sipping love child of Serge Gainsbourg and Catherine Deneuve. Julia is saying a prayer for him at Lourdes. More information

The French Kitchen
A delightful book in which Joanne shares with us 'her family recipes, passed down through the generations. From her Grandmother's 'Festival Loaf', to traditional French classics such as 'Moules Mariniere' of 'Boeuf en Daube', 'The French Kitchen' is a tantalising collection of casseroles, soups, roasts, salads, tarts and sweets. A collaboration between a writer who loves food and a former chef who loves writing about food, 'The French Kitchen' gathers together simple yet stylish recipes from the heart of a French family.'
256 pages high quality, shiny pages split over 8 chapters:- Salads, Soups and Savouries, Fish, Poultry, Meat, Vegetables, Desserts and Chocolate, sandwiched between an Introduction and an Index of Recipe Titles & Conversion Tables. More information

Blackberry Wine
Jay Mackintosh, once a literary star, is stalled. He spends his time writing second rate science fiction, leading a hollow media life and drinking: "Not to forget, but to remember, to open up the past and find himself there again." Nice, expensive wines don't do the trick, it's the six "Specials", a gift from Joe, an old friend, that are the magical elixir. Just like Proust's lime blossom tea, they give him the gift of his memories but also unlock his future; Jay escapes the rut of his London life and buys a house in Lansquenet.
As Jay settles in, he contemplates his childhood friendship with Joe, who made the Specials and whose idiosyncratic outlook on life was the inspiration for his only successful book. Jay becomes involved in village life, meeting up with some familiar characters from Chocolat. Caro and Toinette, the snooty troublemakers, make an appearance and Josephine, the bar owner and battered wife of the earlier novel, becomes a real friend. But it is a new character, the enigmatic Marise that becomes the real focus of his attention. It's the lure of her story that really changes his life, re-ignites the flare of his work. More information

Coastliners
Set on a small, blustery fishing island off the coast of France, it tells the story of Mado, a young woman who returns to her childhood home to find the local community torn apart by family feuds, bad tides and murky political machinations.
Passionate, stubborn Mado, whose "head is full of rocks" tries to save the livelihoods of the villagers of Les Salants by urging them to work together to save the beach from erosion, both natural and man-made. The villagers, written with endearing panache by Harris, are an eccentric, curmudgeonly bunch, who eventually cooperate with the help of Flynn, a charismatic stranger with a shady past. He's not the only man of mystery in Mado's life; her father, taciturn Grosjean, has a secretive heart that's as "prickly and tightly layered as an artichoke", and local, wealthy businessman Brismand also seems to be hiding something. Mado does her best to unravel these mysteries, while attempting to keep a hold on her own sense of self in the claustrophobic, close community. It's not only the shore line that takes a buffeting. The villagers and the island are so vividly described that it's impossible not to become engrossed in Mado's story. Coastliners is a book about longing to belong, and Joanne Harris charts that emotional voyage compellingly. More information

Dictionary of French Slang
Travelers to France will find help in this book to get past the slang barrier. Approximately 4500 common French slang words and colloquial expressions are given with grammatical information, the definition in English and a sentence to illustrate the use.' More information

Merde!
This book is an excellent source of words and expressions, of varying degrees of vulgarity, that are used all the time by french speakers. I used it often during the first of my two years in France. Its real value is not for those in French 101 but for those who already speak decent french and want to learn the expressions used every day by the young and some of the french media (magazines, movies etc). Translated literally many of these words might seem offensive (e.g., connard, encule, putain), yet as the book points out, many times these are the phrases you hear the most in the metro or cafes of France. It is important to realize that even though these words do not carry the same force as their English translations, one must still pay attention to the social context in order to aviod disrespectful "faux pas"! More information

Fidelma Cook's French Leave
That fateful night, two friends were commiserating with high-flying journalist, Fidelma Cook after she d been made redundant from her job with a national Sunday newspaper. Several bottles of red wine had also been thrown in for good measure. Then it came to her in a flash I ll just pack my bags and go live in France, she boldly announced. That was the moment Fidelma threw common sense right out of the fenetre. But with no job, a huge mortgage to pay, massive overdraft, several loans and maxed-out credit cards, it seemed like a good idea at the time. If I m going to be poor, I may as well be poor with the sun on my back in the south of France, she mused. The word soon got round that Fidelma was saying au revoir to the big city and bonjour to a new life in the French countryside. There was no turning back. This is the witty and thought-provoking account of how one woman - with only her pet Afghan hound for company - battled against all odds to make a new life for herself in a foreign country and live the dream we all wish we had the courage to do ourselves. It was a dream that sometimes bordered on a nightmare. But who said it would be easy? Well, actually it was Fidelma who did. More information

Grande Livre de Cuisine
World-renowned French chef Alain Ducasse believes that food arouses all the senses. In this sumptuous book, he takes us on a culinary journey for both eye and palate. Here he shares the culinary experience, knowledge and love of ingredients he has refined over the past 25 years. Today, Ducassse feeds his passion for cooking though restaurants all over the world and a professional-level cooking school. He is now ready to bring his know-how and enthusiasm to all professional chefs and experienced home cooks, providing 700 recipes from French and Mediterranean cuisine that incorporate 100 basic ingredients and use 10 major cooking styles. Each dish is described in full, with recipes for accompaniments included; complete instructions for plating the entire dish are given as well. An appendix offers an encyclopaedia of ingredients in addition to basic recipes (sauces, stocks and so on). Illustrated with more than 1,000 photographs and original drawings, "Grand Livre de Cuisine" will be an indispensable reference and inspiration for years to come. More information

Pierre Gagnaire: Reinventing French Cuisine
Pierre Gagnaire is a considered one of the finest chefs in the world. He was at the forefront of the fusion movement, blasting through established conventions of classic French cooking by introducing jarring juxtapositions of flavours, tastes, textures and ingredients. He is the owner of the eponymous Pierre Gagnaire in Paris and Head Chef of Sketch in London, two restaurants that in 2005 were ranked in the top 20 in the world by the industry magazine "Restaurant". And in 2006, the magazine ranked Gagnaire as the third best chef in the world.This memoir/cookbook is a delightful tour of his life and recipes as a cook since 1966, from his first very simple recipe, a potatoes gratin, to the last, a flower-shaped haddock. Beautifully illustrated, the book is a testament to Gagnaire's ever-expanding palate as an expert chef who considers himself a beginner, and that his most amazing recipe is yet to come. More information

Talk to the Snail
Have you been taken to what you've been assured is the perfect house deep in the French countryside, only to find there's no electricity or running water? Gone to the doctor with a nasty cough, and been diagnosed with a rather more personal complaint? Walked into an half-empty restaurant, only to be told that it's complet? If the answer to any of the above is oui, "Talk to the Snail" is the book for you. Find out how to get served in a restaurant; the best way to deal with French hypochondria; learn the language of love, sex and suppositories (not necessarily in that order); it's all here in this funny, informative, seriously useful guide on how to get what you really want from the French. With advice on essential phrases and bons mots to cover all eventualities, and illustrated with witty real-life anecdotes, "Talk to the Snail" is a book that no self-respecting Francophile - or Francophobe - can afford to be without. Don't go to France without reading this book. And don't even think of buying a house there. More information

Merde Actually
A year after arriving in France, Englishman Paul West is still struggling with some fundamental questions: What is the best way to scare a gendarme? Why are there no health warnings on French nudist beaches? And is it really polite to sleep with your boss' mistress? Paul opens his English tea room, and mutates (temporarily) into a Parisian waiter; samples the pleasures of typically French hotel-room afternoons; and, on a return visit to the UK, sees the full horror of a British office party through Parisian eyes. Meanwhile, he continues his search for the perfect French mademoiselle. But will Paul find l'amour eternel, or will it all end in merde? In his second comedy of errors, Paul West continues to sabotage the entente cordiale. Author's apology: "I'd just like to say sorry to all the suppository fans out there, because in this book there are no suppositories. There are, however, lots of courgettes, and I see this as progress. Suppositories to courgettes - I think it proves that I'm developing as a writer." Stephen Clarke. More information

Merde Happens
Paul West is in deep financial merde. His only way out of debt is to accept a decidedly dodgy job that involves him touring America in a Mini, while pretending to be typically British. Also in the car is Paul's French girlfriend, Alexa, and his American poet friend, Jake, whose main aim in life is to sleep with a woman from every country in the world. Preferably in the back of Paul's Mini. But as the little car battles from New York to Miami, and then heads west, leg-room turns out to be the least of Paul's troubles. His work is being sabotaged, his tour plans are in tatters, and his love life becomes a Franco-American war zone. And as Paul knows better than anyone, when you mix love and war - merde happens... More information

A Year in the Merde
Paul West, a young Englishman, arrives in Paris to start a new job - and finds out what the French are really like They do eat a lot of cheese, some of which smells like pigs' droppings. They don't wash their armpits with garlic soap. Going on strike really is the second national participation sport after petanque. And, yes, they do use suppositories In his first novel, Stephen Clarke gives a laugh-out-loud account of the pleasures and perils of being a Brit in France. Less quaint than A Year in Provence, less chocolatey than Chocolat, A Year in the Merde will tell you how to get served by the grumpiest Parisian waiter; how to make perfect vinaigrette every time; how to make amour - not war; and how not to buy a house in the French countryside. More information

Dial M for Merde
In the South of France, Paul West has a license to thrill. He has just received an offer he can't refuse: two weeks in the sun, all expenses paid, with a beautiful blonde called Gloria Monday. But it soon becomes obvious that M, as Gloria likes to be known, is not really interested in holidaying with Paul. She has bigger fish to fry. Meanwhile Paul's best friend Elodie is getting married, and Paul is asked to do the catering. Cooking for the French is a risky assignment at the best of times, but Paul assures Elodie that nothing can go wrong. Or can it? When Paul discovers that M's real target is France's biggest fish of all - the new President - and that he's coming to Elodie's wedding, he realises that the merde is about to hit the fan... More information

Simple French Cookery
In "Foolproof French Cookery", and its paperback edition, "Simple French Cookery", Raymond Blanc demystifies French cuisine and demonstrates how enjoyable the simple, creative act of cookery can be. He describes the basic techniques needed to create traditional French food, and demonstrates 40 simple-to-follow versions of the most well-known dishes. With step-by-step instructions and colour photographs to accompany every stage from start to finish, all 40 recipes are quick and easy to prepare, and use readily available ingredients. All Raymond's recipes are simple, rustic and completely delicious, and whether you choose quick and easy. Oeufs en Cocotte or Moules Mariniere for a more elaborate meal, his foolproof instructions guarantee excellent results every time. More information

Le Manoir
Raymond Blanc has achieved worldwide fame as an inspired chef with a relentless drive for perfection. His cooking has been described as 'an extraordinary process of creativity, passion, subtlety, indeed genius'. He is entirely self-taught and has never revealed the secrets of his cuisine. But here he explains his uniquely successful methods and shares some of the very special recipes from his Oxfordshire restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons. M. Blanc's reputation is such that even before it opened in 1984, Le Manoir was awarded two Michelin stars. In keeping with Raymond Blanc's insistence on fresh produce, the emphasis in this book is on seasonal variety, with thirty to forty recipes for each season. With glorious photographs by Michael Boys, a preface by Egon Ronay and foreword by Hugh Johnson, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons conveys a little of the genius of the chef widely regarded as the best in Britain. More information

French Provincial Cooking
This is the book that more than any other introduced the English to wonderful French food. Many of the foods that are now taken utterly for granted in every supermarket were unknown and alien before this book. It may well have encouraged exploration to France and of its food that began with the hoards of English tourists to France of the 1970s. It is also the perfect book to read outside the kitchen- she conjures up all those times when in France that you feel that you are the first person to have eaten that onion tart or coq au vin... More information

Culinaria France
France has long been and remains the stronghold of culinary culture. No other country in the world can boast such an immense richness of specialities or comes even close to offering such an extraordinary wealth of noble restaurants, in which thousands of chefs nurture the tradition of grand cuisine and with notable creativity continue to produce new culinary delights. This gastronomic tour demonstrates how landscape, climate and culture impact France's cuisine. Master chefs from all corners of the country have contributed to a new, up-to-date portrait of this nation of food lovers. It includes something for everyone, whether you prefer to enjoy the tastes of France in person or in your own kitchen, or let yourself be enchanted in an entirely new way by the selection of fabulous photographs, enticing recipes, and knowledgeable texts about French cuisine. More information

My Life in France
When Julia Child arrived in Paris in 1948, a 'six-foot-two-inch, thirty-six-year-old, rather loud and unserious Californian', she spoke barely a few words of French, and didn't know the first thing about cooking. 'What's a shallot?' she asked her husband Paul, as they waited for their sole meuniere during their very first lunch in France, which she was to describe later as 'the most exciting meal of my life'. As she fell in love with French culture, buying food at local markets, sampling the local bistros and taking classes at the Cordon Bleu, her life began to change forever, and we follow her extraordinary transformation from kitchen ingenue to internationally renowned (and internationally loved) expert in French cuisine. Bursting with Child's adventurous and humorous spirit, 'My Life in France' captures post-war Paris with wonderful vividness and charm. More information

Country Cooking of France
Why is the country cooking of France so compelling, and why does it exert such fascination and evoke so much respect? The answer lies in the terroir of its pays (regions), the fresh produce and specialty foods that are unique to each area and are then transformed into such traditional favourites as Soupeau Pistou and Choucroute Alsacienne. Anne Willan is well known for her highly respected cooking school in France, La Varenne, founded thirty years ago, as well as her many best-selling cookbooks. She combines her years of experience writing about French cuisine with extensive research, hands-on experience, and a deep appreciation of the current culinary trends in France to create this classic cookbook. More information

Ripailles
Parisian chef Stéphane Reynaud writes beautiful recipes that stretch from simple home cooking to fanciful dishes. In Ripailles French for Feasts he presents the best of the French kitchen and delves into the very roots of French cuisine. Ripailles is gorgeously designed and is bursting with photographs and whimsical illustrations. More than just a cookbook, its a treasure to adore. Key points: 299 recipes with over 250 images; interspersed with wonderful cultural information of French regions; best-selling author of Pork & Sons, winner of the 2006 French Cookbook Award. More information

Tender - A Cook and his Vegetable Patch
With over 400 recipe ideas and many wonderful stories from the cook's garden, Tender: Volume I - A cook and his vegetable patch, is the definitive guide to cooking with vegetables from Britain's finest food writer. In his imitable, unpretentious style Nigel Slater elevates vegetables to the starring role in his latest cook book, whether that means enjoying vegetables for their own sake or on the same plate as a piece of meat or fish. From crab cakes and crushed peas to broccoli and lamb stir-fry, luxury cauliflower cheese to a delicious broad bean salad, Tender has everything a cook could want from a recipe book. More information

Rotis
From Stéphane Reynaud, the bestselling French author of Ripailles, comes this book about roasts. Pot-roasted or oven-roasted, Rôtis turns up the heat on cooking a butcher shop window's worth of meat. There's a roast for every day - Monday's beef, Wednesday's poultry, Friday's, you guessed it, fish and Sunday, well, that's leftover night. Stéphane also includes a clever and diverse selection of vegetable dishes - perfect accompaniments to the main event. Written and illustrated in the same idiosyncratic French style you loved in Ripailles. Key points: more than 100 fabulous new roast recipes for meat, poultry fish and vegetables; from the bestselling French author Stéphane Reynaud; quirky French design More information

New Bistro
"New Bistro" profiles a diverse selection of France's best bistros and eateries, from the vintage sophistication of Benoit in Paris, where quality, taste and presentation are of the utmost importance, to the rustic charm of La Colline in the mountains of Provence, with its emphasis on organic, locally sourced ingredients. Acclaimed food writer Fran Warde introduces recipes from 12 cooks who have truly mastered the art of simple, perfectly balanced French food. She outlines the distinctive approach of each to French country cooking, and includes more than 50 of her own recipes, inspired by bistros and eateries from all over France. More information

Pork and Sons
"Pork & Sons" is an authentic and intensely personal cookbook, presenting the reader with a multitude of ideas on how to cook fine and succulent pork, whilst giving a rare glimpse into a day in the life of a small family business in rural France. The recipes are wholesome and rustic, encapsulating the flavours and taste of a region. As the author Stephane Reynard delivers his recipes to us, he invites us to share his family's age-old passion for the pig and to celebrate the long delicious history between man and swine. Introducing to us, through evocative photographs, his grandfather, and a somewhat strange collection of other family members and workers on the farm in the mountainous Saint-Agreve, he creates a rich atmosphere and sense of ancestral tradition. The 150 recipes are divided between thirteen chapters, including one on black pudding, one on sausages and one on ham. Each recipe is accompanied by an enticing photograph of the dish, and between each chapter there are photographs of the region, of the faces of the region and of their daily work, and further ingeniously hand-drawn illustrations of the pig itself in all manner of poses.

This is a colourful and vivid cookbook with a huge range of possible approaches to the selection, preparation and cooking of pork. It is an affectionate tribute to the pig, an acknowledgement of its sumptuous flavour, versatility as an appetizer or main course, and great popularity around the world. More information

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