French Lessons

Peter Mayle, Francophile phenomenon and author of A Year in Provence, brings us another delightful (and delicious) account of the good life, this time exploring the gustatory pleasures to be found throughout France. The French celebrate food and drink more than any other people, and Mayle shows us just how contagious their enthusi- asm can be. We visit the Foire aux Escargots, and attend a truly French marathon, where the beverage of choice is Château Lafite-Rothschild rather than Gatorade. We search out the most pungent cheese in France, and eavesdrop on a heated debate on the perfect way to prepare an omelette. We even attend a Catholic mass in the village of Richerenches, a sacred event at which thanks are given for the aromatic, mysterious, and breathtakingly expensive black truffle. With Mayle as our inim- itably charming guide, we come away with a satisfied smile (if a little hungry) and the compelling desire to book a flight to France at once.