Recommended Reading, DVDs etc
Here we have listed a few of our favourite books and videos that you may find useful, entertaining or interesting when visiting the area or simply if you love France. Guide books, language, history and so on are all here and all have our personal approval. If you click on the item picture or description you will be taken straight to the item on the Amazon.co.uk website where you can purchase the item.
Getting to know the area
A guide book in the usual helpful, factual style of all Lonely Planet guides
Dordogne & the Lot (Cadogan Guides)Another useful guide to the area
A couple of stories
Personally I always like to read Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann on holiday, but since it is set in Germany I am not allowed to include it here. So here are a couple of France related alternatives:
ChocolatA novel for you to read during your holiday while you are sat relaxing by the pool. For lovers of France and chocolate alike
Written by Emile Zola, and rather more serious than Chocolat, this book gives a vivid description of life in Paris in the 19th century, and the ongoing struggle to survive. A great book to read and re-read, before discovering the other books by the same author.
Peter Mayle Giftset: "A Year in Provence etc..."
This link is to a taped set of the three Peter Mayle booke - A year in Provence, Toujours Provence and Encore Provence. Although set in a different part of southern France, these tapes should help set the scene for your holiday, and provide plenty of amusement, as you drive down to your gite.
If you don't know these books, you should do...an ever entertaining tale of Peter Mayle's adventures in setting up home in France and getting to know the locals. (If you like this, you should also read 'A Small Place in Italy' by Eric Newby, which is also very good - it predates Peter Mayle by many years).
In addition to the tapes above, the books are also available in paperback version (click on titles below):
Some local history
Citizens: Chronicle of the French...
If you want to learn about the history of the French Revolution, this is the place to do it. A fascinating book. Surely Marie Antoinette didn't do that...
Another fascinating history book, this time of a colourful local character
Gardens
The French Country GardenNot all in Aquitaine, but lovely French gardens nonetheless
Cookery
The best, and easiest to follow, guide to great French cooking. The recipes are not too complicated and are invariably delicious. We use this book all the time and it never lets us down.
Moving to France and Living in France
If you are thinking of moving to France, or buying a second home here, these two books may prove invaluable. Or they may put you off, with the number of specialists that they will make you think you need. Read the advice in these books, then watch Jean De Florette (see 'films' below) to remind you why you wanted to come in the first place.
Living and Working in France
Buying a Home in France
Struggling with the Language?
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook...
If your French is not always perfect, this book should help you to order a Ricard in the bar, avoid grenouilles in the restaurant, and find the nearest charcuterie.
French With Michel Thomas Complete...
The most popular system that we know of for learning French, this is the CD version. You will learn more French in a short time than you ever thought possible. Ideal for that drive down through France to your holiday gite. Also available on tape: Michel Thomas Complete Course In French...
And a couple of films to set the scene...
Jean De Florette [1986] (video)
If you do not yet know this film, you must see it. And if you love the French countryside you must see it. A perfect film. And having watched it you will want to see the sequel Manon des Sources: Manon Des Sources [1986] (the original books are also very good )
These two films are also available on DVD:
Yes it's frivolous, yes it's inaccurate, but it's also great fun, and a great feel-good film. Also available on DVD: A Knight's Tale [2001]
Website listed in the France Directory under French Gites