Description: This is a rousing, joyous book about the myriad gastronomic pleasures of France. Peter Mayle travels all across the country -- to great restaurants (famous and undiscovered), blessed vineyards, farms and fairs -- sampling the fare and giving readers a complete course in the Frenchman's love affair with his stomach. Stops along the way: the annual Foire aux Escargots at Martigny-les-Bains; the Medoc Marathon, where runners refresh themselves with glasses of red wine en route; a winegrowers' lunch at the Chateau do Meursault that lasts six hours; the village of Livarot in Normandy, famous for the most pungent cheese in France; Michel Guerard's spa in Eugenie-les-Bains where diners purge on four-star food; a meal with a Michelin guide inspector; a giant omelette festival; and the french fry festival in Alsace.

Along the way we will also learn: what kind of person a snail-fancier is, who joins the brotherhood of sausage connoisseurs, whether tripe is actually edible, how frogs are hunted, how to judge the perfect chicken, along with the odd recipe and cooking hint.

All in all, it is both a celebration of the glories of French cuisine and culture, as well as a handbook of practical information for the potential traveler.

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