Inspired by his gastronomic journey through the idyllic waterways of Southern France, "Rick Stein's French Odyssey" explores French culinary tradition - perfect for aspiring cooks everywhere. Beginning with a diary of his trip and then divided into 6 chapters, with classic recipes at the back, the book is illustrated throughout with stunning food and location shots. Rick' s culinary tour on an ancient barge takes him along the Canal du midi from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. His final destination is a little restaurant near Marseille where several years ago he had the best seafood lunch imaginable. Along the way he samples regional foods from country stew in Castelsarrasin to the Montaine Noire hams of Castelnaudary. Further south he stops over in the Languedoc wine region and samples local delicacies before heading towards Marseilles via the Canal du Rhone. With over 100 recipes, Rick's gastro-tour will motivate every reader to try French cooking again and again.

About the Author

Rick Stein's passion for using good quality local produce and his talent for creating delicious flavour combinations in his books and restaurants have won him a host of awards, accolades and fans. As well as presenting a number of television series, he has published many best-selling cookery books, including Mediterranean Escapes, Coast to Coast, Far Eastern Odyssey and Rick Stein's Spain. Rick is a firm supporter of sustainable farming and fishing techniques, which he strives to maintain in Padstow, Cornwall, where he runs four acclaimed restaurants and a seafood cookery school, as well as a delicatessen and patisserie. In 2003 Rick was awarded an OBE for services to West Country tourism. He divides his time between Padstow and Australia, where he opened a restaurant, Rick Stein at Bannister's, in 2009.