Watching the Paris Olympics this summer in the intense New York heat, my thoughts wandered to the sparkling waters found in the south of France. Places like Nice, St. Tropez, Marseille—the whole of Provence, really—offer an abundance of seafood, rosé (the region is swimming in it), and (once upon a time) the evocative smell of Bain de Soleil. Even if you can’t get there, you can take an armchair trip with a collection of books dedicated to the region. Or, use them to help plan your next excursion.
5 Books to Transport You to the South of France
Le Sud
Rebekah Peppler has distilled the essences of the area of The South of France into a cookbook that goes far beyond recipes. Rebekah Peppler’s book shares photographs, stories, and—yes—recipes from the diverse region. There are recipes for typical fare including pissaladière, tapenade, ratatouille, cleverly named dishes such as Market Day Roast Chicken and The Pasta I Crave Every Time I’m Near the Sea.
There are also sidebars detailing the unique ways of eating and drinking in the region. It includes tips from information on local wines or how to assemble a modern cheese plate.
A Year Abroad: Marseille
The “A Week Abroad” series’ mission is to reconnect travelers with local cultures by highlighting the expertise of passionate and committed personalities.
In the book dedicated to Marseille, the storied town is seen through the eyes of seven local personalities. It interviews a jeweler, fisherman, chef, artistic director, environmental activist, curator, and perfumer. They reveal their secret addresses, including where to find local products, great restaurants, and nearby must-see secret spots. The book even includes a detachable map to accompany should you eventually make your way there.
French Seaside Style
Difficult (or very expensive) to find new, but available used and well worth the effort to find it. Nautical style can be a bit twee. But, add a French twist and it becomes a relaxed but upbeat style. French Seaside Style celebrates the vibe of towns along the coasts of France. Sure, there are sand dollars, miniature sailboats, and driftwood. But, there’s also natural wood finishes and crisp fabrics in white with blue accents.
It’s like a holiday by the sea without ever leaving home. And who couldn’t use a little bit of that?
Provence: The Cookbook
Provence is based on recipes and lore of its author, Caroline Rimbert Craig. Craig’s family has lived, farmed, foraged, and cooked there for generations.
Seasonal and local are terms that get thrown around a lot. But here these terms reflect a passion for sun-dried herbs, abundant fruit, and delicious wines made from grapes grown down the road. A must for anyone who wants to eat well, follow the seasons, and do it with Mediterranean flair.
St. Tropez Soleil / Provence Glory
The publisher Assouline has a series of enticing, graphically striking books on places around the world, including St. Tropez and Provence.
St. Tropez has long been the playground for movie stars, artists, and writers, set on the French Riviera. Everyone from Colette and Matisse to Bianca and Mick Jagger has enjoyed its beauty. St. Tropez Soleil takes the reader on a journey from past to present, celebrating the joie de vivre that keeps everyone coming back.
Provence Glory shares the regions charming towns and bustling cities, with excellent swimming, lavender fields, local cuisine including the herb-stuffed bread fougasse. It takes readers on a trip through Roman ruins from the 1st Century and Medieval chateaux, connected by long roads flanked by cypress trees.
Story by Stephen Treffinger / Main photo by Joann Pai
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