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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 and Normandy (Lonely Planet Regional Guides)
Containing activities and trips for travelling with children, this text presents detailed advice for exploring Brittany and Normandy by bike or by car. It reviews the best places to sample the freshest Breton seafood and the creamiest Norman cuisine. More information

Brittany Tourist Guide (Michelin Green Guides)
Brittany, a place rich in culture and festivals, abounding in natural beauty and stunning beaches, and teeming with outdoor activities, is best presented in Green Guide Brittany. Find out where to go horseback riding, sailing, diving, rambling, and much more with this informative guide. Whether you re after a secluded rural bed and breakfast or a luxury urban hotel, Green Guide Brittany can help you decide. Use the famous Michelin star-rating system, its dedicated driving and walking tour routes, and its numerous detailed maps to plan your journey through Brittany. Features: - A Planning Your Trip section helps you organize your vacation from transportation to and around Brittany through choosing where to stay. - Sail along the Breton coastline, ramble through Argoat ( the land of the woods ), and enjoy a Thalassotherapy session in the evening - Address Books placed throughout the guide show recommended restaurants and accommodations - Learn about Brittany s maritime culture, valleys, rivers, forests, and mountains from a dedicated Nature section. More information

Brittany (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide)
Your holiday starts the moment you open the guide … "The best guide available. Packed to the brim with colour photos, maps and essential information." Reader review Soak up the rich cultural heritage of Brittany. From historic towns, villages and superb landscapes to bathing in the 2,200 hours of yearly sunshine. Photos, illustrations, unique 3D models and birds-eye-view maps of all the major sites ensure you don't miss a thing. Clue up on the basics, from the most comfortable places to stay (whatever your budget) to the best bars and restaurants. Discover where the locals go, enjoy relaxing entertainment and retail therapy, exciting sports, scenic walks or drives, thematic tours and colourful festivals. All you need for an unforgettable trip. Winner of the Guardian & Observer ‘Best Guide Books' and Wanderlust Magazine Silver Award for 'Top Guidebook'. More information

Central Brittany: Coast to Coast
Offering things to see and do in Brittany, this title covers a large part of the departments of Cotes d'Armor and Morbihan, from the Pink Granite Coast in the north to the Gulf of Morbihan in the south, taking in some of Brittany's most attractive scenery, both coastal and inland, places of interest, walks, and a lists of other activities. More information

Walks in Morbihan, Southern Brittany
Morbihan is the department that sits in the middle of southern Brittany. Its name, 'mor bihan', is Breton for 'little sea', a reference to the Gulf of Morbihan where hundreds of tiny islands are scattered across an area of calm water. The department is best known for its neolithic remains, such as the alignments at Carnac and the many other impressive megalithic sites to be encountered all over this alluring landscape. Often overlooked by tourists are the central and northern parts of Morbihan, which offer good rural walking country with impressive scenery, deep forests, rolling hills, beautiful rivers, remote chapels, isolated dolmens and charmingly tranquil villages of ancient houses. "Walks in Morbihan, Southern Brittany" is invaluable for tourists, holiday-home owners and residents. It provides a wide choice of walks from 5-15 kilometres. It includes fully detailed directions and schematic scale maps. It contains background information about sights on each route and the practicalities of location, length, duration, and graded level. It includes suggestions for further walks and places of interest in the vicinity, and is illustrated by colour photographs. More information

30 Great Days Out in Brittany
This book is not an alphabetic list of towns, it contains 'map-driven' days out, so that the visitor can see at a glance the scope of a day and what there is to do. If you're planning a holiday in Brittany, take this book - it could turn your trip into a genuine delight." More information

Holiday Walks in Brittany
This guide offers 25 walks, scattered thoughout Brittany. In addition to basic route directions, there are details of historical, geographical and social interest. Eating places and tourist information centres are detailed and there is a glossary of French words useful to walkers.
I would recommend this book to everyone who will be visiting northern France at any time of the year. More information

Brittany (AA Key Guides Series)
People experience their holidays by visiting a particular part of a city or region of a country. The chapters in "KeyGuide Brittany" are ordered in a regional way, with all the sights, walks, drives and listings for that area in one section to reflect this trend in travelling. The guide is colour-coded throughout with coloured dividers separating each section. There are expert recommendations for where to eat, stay, shop and be entertained, great walks and drives and beautiful photography throughout. In addition, there is a super-clear atlas of Brittany with index and locations pinpointed. More information

AA Road Atlas France
With expert mapping from the AA and Institut Geographique National (IGN), this A4 format atlas contains with more than 1,000 static speed camera locations pinpointed on the mapping. Fully revised and updated for 2009, this specialist road atlas designed for the British motorist in France includes 32 city centre plans to help you find your way in and around busy centres. Road mapping for Corsica and new style Paris city plan is included, plus the atlas legend is in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Dutch. More information

Crossing Brittany: Walking the Nantes-Brest Canal
Wendy Mewes' vivid narration of her long walk across Brittany beside the Nantes-Brest canal brings to life the history and landscape of a distinctive region where as many as 20,000 Britons now live. Well-known as a writer about Brittany, this is the author's most personal work to date. Her journey reflects an individual search for identity and raises questions of integration and settlement in a foreign country. Places through which the canal passes prompt further thoughts upon significant characters and events of Breton history.
The canal itself, twinned with the Wilts/Berks canal in England, is a leading character in the book. Its story of construction, usage, decline and resurrection as an asset for leisure and tourism is interwoven with observations of the superb natural environment it now provides for flora and fauna. The connective power between man and the landscape fostered by walking is also a theme of this memorable journey. More information

France (Cadogan Guides)
This book begins with some nice photos of various places in France and follows this with an interesting overview of French history. This is then followed by the normal generic advice for new travellers to France (e.g. getting there and getting around), and also includes a useful glossary of some food terms that might be helpful in reading a menu.
It then goes on to provide a "tour" of the various parts of France, arranged geographically. This is quite useful and covers some parts of France not covered very well by some other books. More information

Jigsaw of Narrow street with half timbered houses and seafood restaurants from Robert Harding
Photo Jigsaw 17x12 (43x30cm). Narrow street with half timbered houses and seafood restaurants, Treguier, Cote de Granit Rose, Cotes dArmor, Brittany, France, EuropeYou get the jigsaw pieces in a re-sealable bag, a photo example of the image and a self assemble flat packed box for presentation and storage. More information

Making a Living in France
Making a Living in France is a practical, down-to-earth guide for those who want their new life in France to be as profitable as possible (who doesn't?). It contains detailed, straightforward advice about looking for a job, the pros and cons of being self-employed, and how to fulfil the dream of starting your own business. Whether you're a builder, a teacher, a health professional or an IT specialist, or you wish to open a shop or restaurant, Making a Living in France will help you to make a success of it. Whatever your plans, you'll find something to help you achieve your goals in Making a Living in France (although it may be short on practical advice for brain surgeons and trapeze artists!), which is packed with information on every aspect of earning a living in France.
In addition to a wealth of practical advice, Making a Living in France contains real-life stories from those who are already earning a living in France - people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life making a living in numerous different ways. You can learn and profit from the experiences of those who have already taken the plunge, and hopefully also avoid the pitfalls of doing business or working in France. More information

Rick Stein's French Odyssey
Inspired by his gastronomic journey through the idyllic waterways of Southern France, "Rick Stein's French Odyssey" explores French culinary tradition - perfect for aspiring cooks everywhere. Beginning with a diary of his trip and then divided into 6 chapters, with classic recipes at the back, the book is illustrated throughout with stunning food and location shots. Rick' s culinary tour on an ancient barge takes him along the Canal du midi from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. His final destination is a little restaurant near Marseille where several years ago he had the best seafood lunch imaginable. Along the way he samples regional foods from country stew in Castelsarrasin to the Montaine Noire hams of Castelnaudary. Further south he stops over in the Languedoc wine region and samples local delicacies before heading towards Marseilles via the Canal du Rhone. With over 100 recipes, Rick's gastro-tour will motivate every reader to try French cooking again and again. More information

Anthony Bourdain's "Les Halles" Cookbook: Classic Bistro Cooking
In a style partaking of Hunter S. Thompson, Iggy Pop and a little Jonathan Swift, Bourdain gleefully rips through the scenery to reveal private backstage horrors the guy is hysterical' New York Times Book Review 'Bawdy, bolshie, and bursting with energy, celebrity chef Bourdain throws open the doors of every kitchen he's ever worked in to leave the reader peering nervously in through clouds of steam' Daily Mail 'How very different from our own dear Delia' Mail on Sunday 'Voracious, visceral, obsessed and orally fixated, Bourdain writes like a sardonic, articulate demon. He talks like a blend of Scorsese and Tarantino and dishes the dirt on the restaurant trade with scurrilous flair' Big Issue More information

The Nature of France: Brittany
Occupying the north-west corner of France, the region of Brittany covers a land area similar to that of Wales. It has a beautiful coastline over 1000 miles long, home to spectacular wildlife. This is a guide to the region's history, its wild and beautiful environment, and the superb local cuisine. 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

Brittany (Cadogan Guides)
Features of this title include: dynamic new two-colour layout for easy navigation; new magazine style, combining stunning photography, tailored itineraries and a personal take on the country; clear, newly designed two-colour maps throughout for increased ease of use; the only guides with full-colour touring maps of the whole region; extensive listings of hotels and restaurants - all personally recommended for a really local flavour; top Don't Miss sights for each regional chapter, plus Author Choices of personal favourite places to stay and eat; and, experiences the wild and exhilarating Brittany coast, at the mercy of the elements. This title tells ancient local legends of drowned cities and saintly miracles. It explores local markets and festivals. It lists more than 300 eateries, from seafood restaurants to village creperies. It travels up delightful, crooked rivers through peaceful Breton countryside. More information

Discovering the History of Brittany
Presents a concise, illustrated guide to the history of Brittany for the general reader. This book explains the subject through the presentation of people and places that coloured the history of this region, since Neolithic times. More information

Driving in France (France Magazine)
Driving in France - your complete guide to planning your trip, the best routes, the rules of the road and the French you need to know. This indispensable guide tells you everything you need to know about motoring in France. From the new regulations about essential driving equipment, to the most beautiful drives in France, it is packed with information and inspiration to help you plan your next trip. With sections on ferry crossings and caravanning, as well as ideas on where to stay and where to break your journey, there is no other book that brings you all you need for a successful driving trip to France. More information

Running Gites and B&Bs in France
A unique new book for anyone planning to invest in a gite or bed & breakfast business in France. Contains vital information to help readers avoid disasters that can turn a prospective profitable business into a nightmare. A practical, comprehensive study of how to make a living from your French home. Provides valuable insider tips to help readers avoid costly mistakes when buying a property in France for a gite or B&B business. 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

The Discovery of France
Illuminating, engrossing and full of surprises, "The Discovery of France" is a literary exploration of a country few will recognize; from maps and migration to magic, language and landscape, it's a book that reveals the 'real' past of France to tell the whole story - and history - of this remarkable nation. 'With gloriously apposite facts and an abundance of quirky anecdotes and thumbnail sketches of people, places and customs, Robb, on brilliant form, takes us on a stunning journey through the historical landscape of France' - "Independent". 'Certain books strain the patience of those close to you. How many times can you demand: 'Look at this! Can you imagine? Did you know that?' without actually handing over the volume? This is such a book' - "Mail on Sunday". 'An extraordinary journey of discovery that will delight even the most indolent armchair traveller' - "Daily Telegraph". More information

Womans Work in Brittany
Based on a solid foundation of archival research that ranges from tax rolls to notarial records, this study adds an important chapter to our understanding of women in pre-industrial Europe. Through a rigorous examination of primary documents peculiar to eighteenth-century Brittany, the author demonstrates the difficulties engendered in broad generalities about European women, and makes a strong case for the necessity for historians to account for regional differences in women's experiences. In particular, Nancy Locklin makes a compelling argument for the need to incorporate a broader basis upon which women attained their identity. Indeed, Locklin rightly contends that most women in pre-industrial European societies were recognized (and perhaps saw themselves) through a variety of identities over the course of their lives, depending on their age, familial connections, marital status, and the type of work they performed, and that often these identities overlapped. Locklin also shows the extent to which legal and ideological prescriptions painted a relatively negative picture of women's status, but that a close examination of women's participation in family, community, and commercial affairs reveals a much more complex and divergent reality. 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

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