The Magic of Provence: Pleasures of Southern France

by Yvone Lenard

Overview

When Yvone Lenard returned to her native France and purchased a house in a hilltop village of Provence, an enchanted world of food, wines, and unusual adventures–including chicken rustling, flirtatious advances from neighbors, and a séance–opened up before her. This is her account of the spell cast on her by Provence, from her first morning’s visit by a charming prince bearing a jug of the village’s vin rose to the growth of her friendship with a duchess in the local chateau. Lenard shares tales of travels to St. Tropez and visits from American friends who find unexpected romance and magic in Provence. Told with verve, wit, and Lenard’s deep understanding of the French language and culture, this memoir includes tales of others who have been drawn to the region, including Vincent van Gogh, Brigitte Bardot, and Princess Caroline of Monaco. Ways to re-create the magic of the region’s sensuous way of life include recipes for food and drinks, as well as tips for entertaining in the Provençal style.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780767906821
Publisher:	Crown Publishing Group
Publication date:	05/08/2001
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.18(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Yvone Lenard is a native of France. She is the author of several books on French language and culture including Parole et Pensee, and L’Art de la Conversation, and of a novel, Chantal. She lives in Los Angeles and Provence.

Read an Excerpt

The Prince and the Garbage Collector
(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "The Magic of Provence"
by .
Copyright © 2001 Yvone Lenard.
Excerpted by permission of Crown/Archetype.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Editorial Reviews

. . . (an) enchanting collection of essays in which Lenard tells of a vacation home in a fairy-tale town. For the most part, life in the village is delightful, and Lenard describes it with wit and affection. Adding to the book's appeal, tempting Provençal recipes end each chapter.” —Publisher's Weekly


“Lenard crafts narratives skillfully, and her recounting of a disastrous Aida performed in a monumental Roman ruin is hilarious.” —Mark Knoblauch, Booklist


“This delightful and beautifully written book could be entitled “Joie de Vivre in Provence.” With great talent Yvone Lenard writes of the magic to be found in that sunny part of France. Each of the twenty stories is followed by an exquisite menu of regional foods and wines that will enchant and inspire you to share in the spirit and joy of Provence.” —Raoul Aglion, author, Roosevelt and de Gaulle


“Reading each fascinating tale, I kept thinking,'Why can't these charming, warm adventures ever happen to me?'—and then, just before the end, voilà! she pops out a couple of recipes letting me join her in the magic. Thanks, Yvone, for each delicious mouthful. You're the best!” —Peter Baldwin, Emmy award-winning television writer and director


“The Provence of Yvone Lenard has a distinction, an elegance, a sense of humor and a fragrance! Her book brought tears to my eyes and made me proud of the country where I was born, more beautiful even, as seen through the eyes of this born writer.” —Lucien Clergue, author, My Friend Picasso


“If you want to taste the wine, smell the lavender and walk the country roads of Provence in the moonlight with someone you love, this is the book for you.” —Roger Cossack, Host of CNN's Burden of Proof


“The Magic of Provence is a wonderful book. A delightful mixture of living, eating, drinking and socializing in one of the world's most unique regions. Lively, witty and often touching reading. Bravo Yvone Lenard! ” —Dominique Lapierre, author, Is Paris Burning?

From the Publisher