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Oh no! Merde! Peter Mayle has written an Encylopedia about Provence. But as you would expect of Peter Mayle nothing is as it seems. From Little Willy to A Year in Provence, Peter has come up with another triumph. He is passionate about Provence and it shines through in his latest book.

The A-Z is just another vehicle for his anecdotes, Provence characters, and observations about an inland area adjacent to the French Mediterranean coast - you can read his book to find out the area he defines as Provence!

In his usual dry manner he intertwines fact with glorious stories from past and present. He introduces us to more delightfull eccentric characters and paints a wonderful picture of Provence. You can almost smell the variety of fragrances and aromas. One wonders if the Provence tourist board and local Immobilier have any input as the area will once again be besieged by the “Brits” trying to locate the various locations described in this book.

Some of the facts can make uncomfortable reading - so those of a nervous disposition - need to skip those sections. Did you know that Air Pollution is so bad in Provence? For example, in 2003, by August 36 days had exceeded the official limit of 240 micrograms per cubic meter!

You will be glad to hear that “Les Anglais” are more popular than the Parisians: A neighbour informs Mayle ” You are English,” he said, “which is, of course, unfortunate. But you should know that most of us prefer the English to the Parisians.” I am sure sure this neighbour has said this before!

Mayle weaves his magic with the characters he is introduces to us - during the many anecdotes - from Professors to local tradesmen - each with their oddities but you soon warm to their eccentric behaviour. Who though is Bill from the House of Lords?

Naturally food and drink is a theme running through the book - just like his earlier books - but you never tire of reading about it! You just wish you were there to experience the flavours of Provence.

It is a wondeful compilation of facts and Mayle observations about the area he loves so well. If you have enjoyed his previous Provence books, then you will certainly enjoy this book too. Each section is a short read and it is ideal companion for the little room in the house. While you ponder life, you will be able to read about those aromas of Provence. Well it is preferable to…..

Provence A-Z by Peter Mayle (Publisher: Profile Books)

Popularity: 25% [?]

Figures from Department of Work & Pensions…..
Show that over 1 million Brits now have their pensions paid abroad (cf. 770,000 in 1997).

Around 74,000 in Spain (up from 26,700 10 years ago)

32,000 in Italy.

31,000 in France

New research from Mutual Assurance indicated that 33% of people approaching retirement age hope to live in the Sun!

Count me in too!

Popularity: 9% [?]

We have a new telephone call centre to help you arrange viewings of property in France; they can also help with travel arrangements.

Call Holly or Elaine on 0870 3000903 (UK) Monday to Friday (9:00 to 5:30)

Popularity: 9% [?]

Flybe said a new fleet of larger aircraft would enable it to serve popular property areas in central and south-west France, such as Bergerac, Bordeaux, Limoges and Perpignan, from Scotland.

Flights from the UK to Bergerac had led to a 157 per cent rise in prices in the area since 2001, although those in remoter parts of the Dordogne had increased by only 9 per cent.

Popularity: 11% [?]