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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

Earning Money From Your French Home
Contains useful information about the many ways homeowners can earn money from French property including bed and breakfast holiday rentals, long-term letting, leaseback, small hotels and running a business from home. Provides valuable insider tips to help readers avoid costly mistakes when buying an investment or rental property in France. More information

The Rough Guide to Brittany & Normandy
The Rough Guide to Brittany & Normandy is your essential handbook to two of France’s most enduringly popular areas. The full-colour section showcases the highlights from both regions, from Carnac megaliths to Camembert Cheese. For every town and village, there are comprehensive and opinionated reviews of all the best hotels, restaurants and cafés, whatever your budget. There is plenty of practical advice on a host of activities including boat trips along Brittany’s Nantes-Brest canal and cycling the backroads. The guide also includes a unique chapter on Breton music and language and comes complete with maps and plans for every area. The Rough Guide to Brittany & Normandy is like having a local friend plan your trip. More information

The Essential Spiral Brittany
With everything you need for a memorable holiday, "The Essential Spiral Brittany" is a definite 'must-have'. The guide is split into colour-coded sections, including The Essence of..., Planning, Best Places to See, Best Things to Do and Exploring. There is helpful advice for planning your trip with information about when to go, getting there, being there and getting around. The Exploring section divides Brittany into colour-coded regions in accordance with the locator map on the cover flap. Hotels, restaurants, nightlife and places of interest are grouped within each region, with grid references and cross-referencing to ensure that it is easy to find what you are looking for in each area. Entries within the guide have been researched by experts and there are website addresses and practical information throughout. More information

Brittany with your family
Planning a family holiday can be a nightmare. Which restaurants will cook "off the menu" to please small, fussy appetites? Which beaches have clean toilets and safe bathing? Does the campsite have a supervised toddlers pool? This is exactly the kind of specific information Frommer's With Your Family guides provide. Packed with essential "on the ground" advice on planning a holiday to please every member of the family. Each listed destination, activity and accommodation has been visited and tested - and only truly family friendly entries are featured. More information

Explorer Brittany
Fully revised and updated, "Explorer Brittany" sports a vibrant new cover design, giving it a fresh and modern feel. Written and researched by top travel authors, with clear maps and practical travel advice, it is the perfect companion for travelling around Brittany. Cultural lifestyle features compliment practical travel information to capture its essence, local life and people. Expert advice is provided on the best places to visit, with information and practical travel facts, such as recommended hotels and restaurants. The guide also features an extensive A-Z section of places to visit with ratings, so that you can choose which sights to see. There are town plans and maps throughout. More information

Brittany Lifeline
Contains useful information about local communities and a wealth of services including accommodation, doctors and hospitals, English-speaking schools, public transport, banks, shops, communications, essentials services and telephone numbers, shops, leisure facilities, restaurants and much, much more. More information

Brittany (lonely Planet)
Including Mont St-Michel (even though it's in Normandy), this guide gives you the lowdown on local cuisine - from crepes bretonne to homard a l'amoricaine - shopping, the art and architecture of local churches and outdoor activities from sea-water spas to kayaking. More information

Collins French Phrasebook
With stunning new design and layout and the most up-to-date travel information, the market's most indispensable phrasebook has been reinvented, and is better than ever. Gem French will give you the right word at the right time - every time. In all of the most common travel situations, you need the reassurance that you can communicate with ease. A reliable, portable and easy-to-use phrasebook is a travel essential, and now with the completely re-designed Collins Gem French, the right word will always be at your fingertips. More information

Oxford Hachette French Dictionary
Acclaimed by language professionals the world over, the Oxford-Hachette French Dictionary leads the field. The dictionary is based on the statistical evidence of vast electronic databanks of real language, both written and spoken, making it the most comprehensive, reliable, and up-to-date dictionary of French and English available today. And now, it has even better coverage of the language, with improved treatment of acronyms and EU terminology, as well as thousands of new words in both English and French. The dictionary is a must for any serious student of the French language. It is tailored to the needs of the market in consultation with key academic advisors. This edition contains even more useful information for the language student abroad - sample bills and rent agreements help you orientate yourself in a new culture. Alternatively, it is an essential reference tool for the shelves of a second home. It is the most up-to-date and complete French dictionary of its size. More information

Brittany (French Entree)
Aspect Guides, the new travel imprint of Peter Collin Publishing, will be launching new editions of the highly regarded French Entree series in January 2002. Fully revised and updated, the new edition of Brittany is an indispensable companion for travellers to the restaurants, hotels and sights of this area, each one personally visited by the author. More information

AA Touring Map of Brittany
Fully updated, this map combines clear design and an easy-to-read scale with more road detail to ensure that you never lose your way. It includes information on toll points, service areas, road numbers, motorways, dual carriageways and wide and narrow local roads. National Parks, ski resorts, visitor attractions and towns and places of interest are also highlighted. The map is presented in a practical slimline format, with a durable weatherproof cover for protection from the elements. More information

AA Atlas of France
With expert mapping from the AA and Institut Geographique National (IGN), this giant scale, large format A3 atlas is very easy to read, 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 41 city, town and port plans and a new style central Paris city plan. The coverage includes road mapping for Corsica plus there is a channel hopping guide, channel tunnel terminal and channel tunnel port plans. More information

Rough Guide Map of Brittany
Brittany is one of the most popular regions of France, with highlights including Mont-St-Michel and the medieval city of Rennes. The Rough Guide map is ideal for those touring by car - a popular option amongst visitors from the UK and Ireland. The map includes all the ferry routes into St Malo, and all the roads across the region from autoroutes to tracks. There are also footpaths and contour lines for those hiking around the national parks and coastlines. As with all the maps in the Rough Guides series, this map is made of rip-proof, waterproof Polyart paper, durable enough to survive a trip spent in the car seat-back, rucksack, and cafe table-top. More information

GeoCenter Euro Map of Brittany
This updated cartography now features grid references in the margin to aid quicker orientation. Additional colour changes to the mapping make transport networks clearer than before. With a scale of 1:300 Thousand and a legend in 8 languages, this is a comprehensive and indispensible road map. Tourist information, places of interest and a street index are all featured. information is provided on hotels, restaurants, museums, theatres, parks and gardens, with tourist attractions clearly indicated and public transport systems marked. More information

Memoirs of a Breton Peasant
Memoirs of a Breton Peasant is drawn from Deguignet's voluminous notebooks, written from 1897 to 1904, recently discovered in a grandniece's cupboard in Brittany. Deguignet is unique not only for being a literate peasant, but also for his scepticism regarding the church, his interest in science and languages, and for his keen observations of the world and people around him. More information

Penguin Parallel Text
This is an all new version of the popular PARALLEL TEXT series, containing eight pieces of contemporary fiction in the original French and in English translation. Including stories by Bolanger, Cotnoir, Le Clezio and Germain, this volume gives a fascinating insight into French culture and literature as well as providing an invaluable educational tool. More information

Le Petit Prince
This isn't just a book... it's very hard to describe.. It's a phenomenon. The story spans all generations - while the colourful characters may superficially please the younger audience, the timeless imagery, symbolism and observations of humanity can teach all but the most obtuse. Having said that, there are people who just don't 'get' this book. They want to know why such and such happens, or what the point of this bit was - if you ask the question, you're just not the sort of person who will ever appreciate this story. More information

House of Tides
The Sunday Times - It seems we are looking for a new prophet. It could be that White is the very man
The Scotsman - An intellectual nomad of genius! 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

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

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

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France (Lonely Planet Country Guide)
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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

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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

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I'll Never be French
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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

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Merde!
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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

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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