Books That Bring Provence To Life: Fun Fiction To Help Immerse You in the Locale and Your Retreat.

monique6314
Apr 22
2 min read

Whether you’re counting down to Camp Joy or dreaming of your own Provençal escape, there’s nothing like a good book to set the mood. We’ve curated a list of fun, accessible fiction set in the very places you’ll be exploring pre- and post-retreat—Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Monaco, Ménerbes, and Marseille—each one offering a dose of sunshine, suspense, or sparkling charm.

Lady reclining in interior setting, window overlooking Provencal landscape beyond. French School, 20th century, signed Loiseau

From cozy mysteries and Riviera romances to expat adventures and glamorous capers, these reads are perfect for poolside afternoons, market-day breaks, or plane rides with a view. Get ready to travel by page—and maybe meet a fictional detective or two along the way.

Set in Aix-en-Provence

1. The Verlaque & Bonnet Mysteries by M.L. Longworth

First Book: A Death at the Château Bremont
Vibe: A judge and his law professor partner solve murders in sun-dappled Aix.
Fun Factor: Whodunit meets wine and cheese. Smart, cozy, and scenic.

Set in Nice

2. The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

Vibe: A dual-timeline mystery set in a glamorous villa near Nice.
Fun Factor: Juicy, twisty, a little rock 'n roll, and very bingeable.

3. An Extravagant Death by Charles Finch

Vibe: A Victorian detective travels to the French Riviera.
Fun Factor: Stylish sleuthing with Riviera glamour—think Sherlock on holiday.

4. The Riviera House by Natasha Lester

Vibe: WWII-era art theft drama with a brave heroine and coastal beauty.
Fun Factor: Historical fiction with heart, fashion, and a little espionage.

Set in Monaco

5. Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb

Vibe: Romance blooms during Grace Kelly’s wedding frenzy.
Fun Factor: Glamour, perfume, royalty—pure vintage escapism.

6. The Monte Carlo Connection by Robert Ludlum (as Jonathan Ryder)

Vibe: A classic spy thriller with double agents and high-stakes drama.
Fun Factor: Action-packed, slightly outrageous, and very ‘80s cool.

7. Monte Carlo by Peter Terrin

Vibe: Literary fiction set around the Monaco Grand Prix.
Fun Factor: Stylish, short, and atmospheric—great for introspective readers.

Set in Ménerbes / The Luberon

8. A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle

Vibe: A British expat’s month-by-month diary of adapting to life in Ménerbes.
Fun Factor: Light, witty, food-obsessed, with charming French chaos.

9. Hotel Pastis by Peter Mayle

Vibe: A London ad executive trades the rat race for a Provençal hotel project.
Fun Factor: Sun, wine, eccentric locals, and a dash of romance and renovation.

Set in Marseille

10. The Vintage Caper by Peter Mayle

Vibe: A glamorous wine heist leads Sam Levitt from LA to Bordeaux and Marseille.
Fun Factor: Smooth, cheeky mystery with good food and even better wine.

11. The Marseille Caper by Peter Mayle

Vibe: Sam Levitt returns for another tasty escapade—this time involving shady property deals.
Fun Factor: Lighthearted crime-solving with Provençal flavor and French real estate intrigue.