Forever Provence, A Tribute to Peter Mayle!

- Peter Mayle relaxing in Provence
An Interview with Mayle’s Widow
- Photo by Lehtikuva/Shutterstock
- Peter Mayle and Jennie in Menerbes 1993
Corinne sent me this synopsis of what she learned during her interview with Jennie:
“Peter and Jennie Mayle fell in love over lunch and were together for almost 40 years. That fateful lunch was actually a business meeting. Peter was creative director at an ad agency and Jennie ran her own production company. She thought “my God, he’s drop-dead gorgeous and absolutely charming, and happily he reciprocated her feelings.
The pair ran away from failed marriages in England and spent three years in New York before moving to the south of France so that Peter could write full-time. Both appreciated the slower pace and the light. Jennie remembers that “it took us about five minutes to adjust upon arrival. We absolutely loved it and never wanted to leave.”
Jennie is now on a mission. She wants to introduce Peter’s timeless storytelling to a new generation of fans and armchair travelers. She was by his side and was a prominent figure in several of his 14 books, as he single-handedly created the now much imitated travel-inspired novel writing category.
I asked Jennie if there was something not widely known about Peter that she wanted to share. Almost immediately, she volunteered that “he was a very humble man. He believed it was pretentious of us to think we were anything special.”
In terms of what she misses most about him, his sense of humor is at the top of her list followed closely by his affection. She recalled that “once I got over the worst part (after he died), I felt terribly lucky. Many people don’t find love like that in their entire lives. I met my prince charming on the white charger. How many people can say that?”
You can see Corinne’s full interview with Jennie Mayle by clicking HERE!
*Note: Featured image photographed by Carey More
Peter Mayle’s Books
6 million copies sold
You can view (and purchase) the trilogy of Mayle’s Provence memoirs by clicking on the following links. While a little outdated, they still capture the charm of this beloved area.
They have a prominent place in my library. I am starting to read them all again.
Note: When you arrive at the sites, make sure you see the flag of the country in which you live at the top right-hand corner. If you need to change the country, click the arrow and follow the instructions to arrive at the appropriate site. Many thanks.
Winner of the 2nd Giveaway for Annual Members!
Last week, I launched this next Giveaway for Annual Members only, asking them
to leave a comment on last week’s blog.
I was delighted to hear from so many of you, and put all the names into a hat, and did the draw.
Ta dum… and the Winner is Julie Buckley from Blue Mountains, Canada!
Julie will receive
TWO Hardcover Cook Books by Hilary Davis.
A retail value of $95 CAD/$75 USD
- Cookbook Author Hilary Davis
Note: Next Annual Members Draw — Sept. 2021
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Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
I loved all his books and Provence.
Peter Mayle’s are sooo much fun. I own 11 of the 54 he wrote a d like you they hold a special place on my book shelf.
I have read the first one and LOVED IT!
I have just finished the second in the series.. Toujours Provence! Had forgotten everything! That is why it is so enjoyable to go back and read them again…Diana
Sad to say I am not familiar with Peter Mayle’s books – but will soon rectify that when local Library re-opens! Thanks for the Heads-Up, Diana!
Oh you must Gretchen! They are all so enjoyable.. easy to read and full of fun. You can read them in any order! Enjoy, Diana
I read several of his books in the 90s, and still keep the 1st one!As you said, time for me to re-read them. BTW I just went to Corinne’s website and have subscribed – thanks Diana – more resources!!!
They are all so delightful! Diana
Time to get those books open again. Thanks for the getting me going on this again Diana!
I am enjoying rereading them so much..great summer reading!
Diana
I have read many fo Mayle’s books. There is another funny one written by Stephen Clarke, “A year in Merde”.
I read that one too… a lot of fun! Thanks for the comment Lea…always a treat hearing from you!
Diana
Loved the title: “A year in Merde.”
Oh me too!!!!
Dear Diana,
I loved your article about Peter Mayle and I’m going to follow you.
I’m reading Uncore Provance and loving Peter writing and sense of humor. What a great observant of human nature and a man who knew to enjoy his life and love for all wonderful things. I was walking on Old Northeast in St. Peterburg, FL where people are quite friendly. I just want to travel to Provence to experience all the local things and people Peter talks on his books.
Love,
Grace
Grace — I am so glad to hear from you and that you have joined my growing community of women who love Paris and France. Thank you. Peter Mayle was certainly an inspiration to me and my love of Provence. I have read everything he wrote more than once. I find it so uplifting to re-read his adventures. Keep commenting!
I have just returned from a month in Provence. It is a unique experience–the light, the poppies, the vineyards, the olive groves and the villages which are like time warps. Now I’m ready to read lots of Peter Mayle. Thanks for all your comments. I think I read A Year in Provence ages ago but as we age rereading becomes a pleasure.
Don’t you love it there! Thank you for commenting and you are in the running for the June Book Draw! Thank you Barbara!