Adventures on Land and Sea: Searching for Culinary Pleasures in Provence and Along the Cote d'Azur by Carole Bumpus ~ a Review

by MK French

Carole Bumpus and her husband Winston are now following the excursions of Peter Mayle hoping to find the real Provençe. They travel from Nice to Nîmes, Moustiers to Marseilles, and San Tropez to San Remy while sailing along the Côte d’Azur. Provençe had its own myths, festivals, and traditions, as well as historic ways of cooking and winemaking.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

November 2024; She Writes Press; 978-1647427726
ebook, print (376 pages); travel memoir

This is the fourth volume Carole Bumpus has put together in the Savoring the Olde Ways series, but can be read on its own. The area is filled with history, from the time of Roman occupation to medieval cathedrals to statues erected in memory of world war losses.  The tour described in the first half of the book took place in 1997, fulfilling a lifelong desire to visit France and the world described in Mayle's book.  Along the way, the couples bought food from local shops, visited museums, and even the beaches of the French Riviera. That was a bit of an experience, with a mix of clothed, semi-nude, and nude sunbathers along the beach. The group was far more comfortable with the museums, restaurants, and wineries. They returned in 2000, visiting similar locations and taking cooking classes and tours that described not only the history but the famous citizens in Provençe, and then a third trip in 2006.

This is a travelogue memoir, focused on the trip and the experiences while there. As a result, this is more of a conversational style of writing, with asides to translate French words or explain the history she learned of the places they visited. The most detail is given for the food and memorials, and conversations among the travelers. It gives the feeling of being along with them, and I really enjoyed the talk about history throughout the centuries. The second half of the book, detailing the 2000 trip, also includes some recipes if you'd like to try cooking in a similar style as well. Carole used excerpts from her husband's journal for descriptions of the third trip, and I was amused by the differences in perceptions and what they wanted to remember. This is a fun memoir for those who enjoy traveling in France or the local cuisine.

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Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever. 

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