A Good Year

Peter Mayle, celebrated British author, is best known for his evocative works that document life in the scenic landscapes of rural France. Born in Brighton, England in 1939, Mayle moved to France in the late 1980s. His decision to relocate birthed his most renowned work, “A Year in Provence,” a vividly descriptive memoir celebrating the cultural beauty of rural France—an admiration which features prominently in much of his subsequent work.

Mayle’s successful literary career spans across genres and audiences, catering to both adults and children. However, it’s his humorous accounts of his experiences as a British expatriate in France that have gained him international acclaim, turned into a BBC series and translated into numerous languages. His other prominent works include “Toujours Provence” and “Encore Provence.” Prior to the Provencal books, Mayle had an illustrious career in advertising and authored educational books, which each showcase his ability to engage a broad range of audiences.

Peter Mayle’s impact on literature earned him the British Book Awards “Author of the Year” in 1992, and in 2002, the French government honored him with the prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur for his cultural contributions. A captivating storyteller, Mayle’s works continue to inspire readers with his profound love for French culture and its people. He passed away in 2018, leaving behind a rich legacy in travel and memoir literature.