Recommendations for some good reference and general reading books to enhance your enjoyment of things French!
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La Belle Saison by Patricia AtkinsonA beautiful book celebrating rural life in France and the simple luxuries of good food, wine and friendship, by the author of the bestselling The Ripening Sun. Set in a real vineyard in Bergerac (Clos d'Yvigne) her first book was a revealing insight into the challenges of buying a vineyard and the realities of making it a success. Written by someone with a real commitment to living and working in France it manages to be both very readable and informative. For more info see www.amazon.co.uk |
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Recipes from Gascony - Joanne Harris
THE FRENCH MARKETA mouth-watering collection of recipes inspired by fresh, seasonal French market produce. Joanne Harris (author of Chocolat) and Fran Warde have collaborated to write a French Cookbook with a difference. This time they have gone to Gascony for their inspiration and into the world of the French rural market. The best ingredients in season, locally produced fruit, vegetables, wines and cheeses combine to make it a recipe for success. Nerac Melon with Floc, Foie Gras with Peaches, Summer Duck Salad and Roasted Stuffed Courgettes are only some of the recipes that will help recapture the tastes of summertime and the authentic French regional experience. |
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BBC2 - Rick Stein's French Odyssey from the series on the BBC- travelling through South West France and the Languedoc by the Canal du Midi and indulging in real French Food and recipes, including duck and foie gras. His usual laid-back style with a healthy enjoyment of rustic dishes from the south will be worth a try - Poule au Pot, Pissaladiere, Confit of Duck, Rabbit with Prunes!! Must try the Station Buffet in Agen and the Hotel Napoleon in Moissac. For details of the book - see here |
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Families of the Vine by Michael Sanders- a follow-up to his fascinating "From Here you can't see Paris" this burrows deeply into the wine culture of Cahors in South West France, with an intimate exploration of three wine-making families in the region, including Clos Triguedena. The trials of climate, the difficult (but potentially wonderful) Malbec grape and the family issues are interwoven to give a unique insight into the realities of a life in wine production and life in rural South West France. For more info on this book CLICK HERE |
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Newly published guide to the French Wine Regions with Michelin's traditional attention to details and good clear presentation - in English 384 pages - a guide for anyone touring the French vineyards and discovering more about the country’s wine and cuisine. Fourteen tours cover each of the main regions in practical detail - for details - CLICK HERE |
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Mitchell Beazley's Guide to the Most Beautiful Wine Villages of France- 55 villages from Montmartre in Paris to Irouleguy in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Some superb photography and some useful information on the wine, the vineyard and surrrounding area. Amongst my favourites would be Maidran (32 Gers, Midi-Pyrennees), Cassis (13 Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence) and Cheverny (41 Loir-et-Cher,Loire Valley). For details CLICK HERE |
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