Welcome to our collection of quotes by the renowned British author, Peter Mayle. As a masterful storyteller, Mayle captured the essence of life in the Provence region of France, enchanting readers with his vivid descriptions and witty narratives. His works, including the beloved A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence, have become classics, transporting audiences to the sun-drenched landscapes, bustling markets, and charming villages of southern France.
With a keen eye for detail and a delightful sense of humor, Peter Mayle celebrated the simple joys of everyday life, from savoring a glass of wine under the Mediterranean sun to navigating the quirks of French culture. His writing is infused with warmth, humor, and a deep appreciation for the pleasures of good food, good company, and the beauty of the Provençal countryside. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, Mayle’s words invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in the sensory delights of Provence.
Below, you’ll find a selection of Peter Mayle’s most memorable quotes, ripe for inspiration, reflection, or simply a moment of literary enjoyment.
The funny thing in France is that writers are not allowed to retire, because the French government say you are still earning money from books you wrote 20 years ago. Peter Mayle
I was lucky enough to spend some of my school days in Barbados, where my father was working, and this gave me a taste for hot weather. Peter Mayle
I have a very set routine. I work six days a week, but only half days. I work from 9 in the morning till 1 in the afternoon, without any interruptions, a fair slug. Peter Mayle
One must never forget that life is unfair. But sometimes, with a bit of luck, this works in your favour. Peter Mayle
Very little happens in my books. Peter Mayle
I have a robust sense of humour which helps me deal with problems. Peter Mayle
There is nothing I like better at the end of a hot summer’s day than taking a short walk around the garden. You can smell the heat coming up from the earth to meet the cooler night air. Peter Mayle
No matter what their background, the southern French are fascinated by food. Peter Mayle
The great thing about having money is that you can actually just get on with your life and not have to think about paying the bills or crouch over ‘The Wall Street Journal’ or the ‘Financial Times’ and look at the stock figures and things like that. That bores me rigid. Peter Mayle
When I was very young in London, I had a bank account, which didn’t have a great deal in it. I should think at least every three months the bank manager would call me up and threaten to strangle me because I had no money, and I was writing checks. Peter Mayle
Sundays in France have a different atmosphere to other days, with fewer phone calls, no postman, no delivery men and no one banging on the door. Peter Mayle
I am a great believer in people taking control of their own lives. Peter Mayle
I left school at 16 and skipped university to work, initially as a waiter. I think I missed out on what would have been great years. Peter Mayle
There are plenty of miserable millionaires all over the place. Peter Mayle
Nowadays, if you have a journey, albeit a simple one, you consider yourself lucky if nothing happens. Peter Mayle
I would dearly love to resist the temptation, if you can call it that, to worry. It’s boring, it’s anti-social, it’s unproductive and it’s depressing. Peter Mayle
I don’t have a boss. Well, I have a boss: the public. If the public doesn’t buy my books, I would be out of a job. Peter Mayle
In the south of France the phones cut in and out, the electricity isn’t particularly reliable. I think many people would get very irritated with that life. Peter Mayle
You don’t like it when a French housewife gets mad at you. If she gets steam behind her, she is an unstoppable creature. Peter Mayle
It’s very nice to meet the people who read my books. Peter Mayle