Intoxicating Southern France: Uncorking the Magic in the French Riviera, Provence, Languedoc, Dordogne, and Bordeaux (Pj Adams Intoxicating Travel)

I was hoping for more information about the Dordogne area and less "fluff."

Loved it and the Author is right on the Mark!!!

PJ Adams does a marvelous job of presenting readers with the Provence and Languedoc regions of southern France. Her descriptions of the landmarks and other sights, history, art, people, culture, transportation, accommodations, and unique dining experiences are not to be missed, and her plentiful photos are beautiful, too!And what a talent Adams has for turning a phrase. You'll find yourself transported whenever you read passages such as this--"Provence is a land of changing geography where verdant valleys end in cliff-hanging villages. Where bulls run wild on marshy lands, and where the Luberon is ringed by ancient villages like Gordes and Ménerbes that end up on book covers and in movies. Yes, this is also a place where a river runs through it--but here it's the Rhône hailing from the Swiss Alps and flowing freely by flourishing vineyards, Pope's palaces, and finally out to the Mediterranean sea."--and this:"They create their own brand of cuisine for example--not quite French, not quite Spanish, but a unique blend of local ingredients that come together in dishes that don't just stick to your ribs--they stick to your soul."You can easily become immersed in this book. It provides an engaging perspective on each area, starting with the fascinating local history--with Roman, Spanish, and other influences--through the centuries that builds context for what visitors can see and experience today.Adams has seasoned this book with gently and affectionately told vignettes of her experiences and observations. She also speaks throughout of the high value placed on creativity--painting, cooking, writing, and even artistic expression in displaying one's wares in the marketplace."Intoxicating Southern France: Provence & Languedoc Spotlight" is both an invaluable guidebook for visitors and a priceless vicarious experience for armchair travelers. Highly recommended!

I was browsing the French travel books and stumbled on this quirky travel guide. I was surprised to find there aren't a lot of books on this region of France and I've been pining to go there, so I sprang for it! What fun! It's a treasure trove of useful, specific, practical details about places to visit and delights to experience, and of entertaining stories of Ms. Adams' encounters with interesting people of all kinds - from gracious vintners to gregarious hotel clerks, shopkeepers and chefs and wine tour guides all with interesting personal histories that intertwine with the history of the places they call home. I feel like I've traveled the beautiful French countryside, learning about exquisite wine and desserts, castles and cave paintings with a dear, funny friend. Highly recommended!

I should mention, that I’ve been addicted to audio books for over twenty years. So it takes a pretty strong recommendation to get me to actually read a paper book. Around two years ago, a friend highly encouraged me to read "Intoxicating Paris", even though it was not available in Audio. Well, I loved it! So when this new book came out, no one had to talk me into trying it. It is equally “intoxicating”. I felt like I was traveling and dining with the author. You’ll just have to dive in yourself for all the details, but you won’t be disappointed.

PJ does an exceptional job of illustrating the authenticity of a culturally rich France. Intoxicating Southern France is the prefect companion for travel to southern France. Her writing is fresh, fun and alluring. Love this book!!" Christy Destremau, France Off the Beaten Path tours