Cadogan Guide Provence

I've spent a lot of time with many Provence guidebooks and I recommend this one as one of the best. If you use Rick Steves or Lonely Planet, this is a good counterpoint. I wouldn't use just this guide for lodging or restaurants because the listings aren't extensive enough and the book isn't updated annually but the book has inspirational descriptions of the varied pleasures of Provence. The book does not cover the Côte d'Azur; another Cadogan guide by the same authors does. If I had to use just one book while traveling in Provence I would certainly consider this one.

Having been to Provence about ten times in the last twenty years, I've read plenty of guides, and none have gone as directly to the heart of the matter as this one. There are plenty of posey guides out there, but if you want to know what makes the region tick, warts and all, I recommend Facaros and Pauls. The others seem shallow in comparison. And these guys make me laugh, an added bonus!