Descriptions on a page can go only so far; there is nothing quite like being there. And so, for those of you who would like to see for yourselves some of the restaurants, places, and events that I've written about [in FRENCH LESSONS], here are a few details. I can't, unfortunately, give precise dates of the fairs and festivals, as these will change by a day or two each year, but I've included contact addresses where appropriate. Get in touch by phone or fax (much of rural France is not yet plugged into e-mail), and all will be revealed. The organizers of these events welcome a big turnout, and I've found that inquiries usually receive prompt and helpful replies. Good luck! I hope you have as much fun as I did.

--Peter Mayle

[Each heading corresponds to a chapter from the book.]

THE INNER FRENCHMAN

Marius et Janette, 4 avenue George V, Paris. Phone: 01.42.23.41.88. Fax: 01.47.23.07.19. One Michelin star. Specialties: Grilled Sea Bass, turbot aioli (garlic mayonnaise).

L'Isle Sonnante, 7 rue Racine, 8400 Avignon. Phone: 04.90.82.56.01. One Michelin star. Specialties: Filet of rabbit stuffed with olive puré e, game and wild mushrooms in season.

Restaurant La Fontaine, place de la Fontaine, 84760 Saint Martin de la Brasque. Phone 04.90.07.72.16.

FOR WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO RECEIVE

La Messe des Truffes takes place on a Sunday during the second half of January. Contact: La Mairie, 84600 Richerenches. (The nearest big town is Orange.)

THE THIGH-TASTERS OF VITTEL

La Foire aux Grenouilles take place toward the end of April. Contact: La Maison de Tourisme, 88800 Vittel, for dates and hotel recommendations.

ARISTOCRATS WITH BLUE FEET

Les Glorieuses normally take place during the last weekend before Christmas. Contact: Office du Tourisme, BP 190, avenue Alsace Lorraine, 01000 Bourg-en-Bresse. L'Auberge Bressane, 166 boulevard de Brou. Fax: 04.74.23.03.15. Specialty: Bresse chicken.

LOVE AT FIRST SNIFF

La Foire aux Fromages at Livarot takes place during a weekend in early August. Contact: Office du Tourisme de Livarot, 1 place G. Bisson, 14140 Livarot. (The nearest big town is Lisieux.)

SLOW FOOD

La Foire aux Escargots takes place during the second weekend in May. Contact: Comité d'Animation, La Mairie, 88320 Martigny-les-Bains. (The nearest big towns are Contrexé ville and Vittel.)

UNDRESSING FOR LUNCH

Le Club 55, Plage de Pampelonne, 83350 Ramatuelle. Fax: 04.94.79.85.00. Lunch only. Dress optional.

A CONNOISSEUR'S MARATHON

Le Marathon du Mé doc takes place on a Saturday in mid-September. Contact: C.R.D. Tourisme d'Aquitaine, Bureau de la Cité Mondiale, 23 Parvis des Chartrons, 33074 Bordeaux Cedex. Fax: 05.56.01.70.07.

AMONG FLYING CORKS IN BURGUNDY

Les Trois Glorieuses are usually held during the third weekend in November, with the auction on the Sunday. Contact: C.R.D. Tourisme, Conseil Ré gional de Bourgogne, BP 1602, 21035 Dijon Cedex. Fax: 03.80.28.03.00.

A CIVILIZED PURGE

Les Pré s d'Eugé nie, 40320 Eugé nie-les-Bains. Fax: 05.58.51.10.10 (both for the hotel and the Domaine de Huchet on the beach).

THE GUIDED STOMACH

Hotel d'Europe, 12 place Crillon, 8400 Avignon. Fax: 04.90.14.76.71.