Bon Appetit! by Peter Mayle

Travels though France with knife, fork and corkscrew

Peter Mayle, an Englishman in France and author of several books including A Year in Provence, sets off on another culinary journey in this book. This time he travels the length and breadth of France in search of the good, the best, and the most bizarre gourmet delights his adopted country has to offer.

This journey takes him to festivals celebrating frogs’ legs and snails, among other things, as well as to a marathon of running and wine drinking (perhaps it should be called a biathlon), and many other celebrations of culinary delights. He meets an impressive variety of interesting – perhaps eccentric – people en route, and describes it all with clever insight, sharp wit, and good humour.

This book is a good read for anyone interested in food and travel. Mayle describes his life in France, the idiosyncrasies of the French people, and his obvious love for the country and its people. It’s a feel-good book as his warmth is infectious. It’s funny in places too, as well as being astute throughout.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a light-hearted, yet insightful, look at France from a foodie point of view.

Bon Appétit!
Travels through France with knife, fork and corkscrew

Peter Mayle
Paperback, 234 pages
2002, Time Warner Paperbacks
ISBN 0 7515 3291 6