The British in France

"Countless British visit France each year, and over 100,000 live there permanently, successors to generations of their countrymen. This book, its starting point the brief and poignant Peace of Amiens, studies who they were, where they went and why. Some went for fun, probably to Paris 'where the social arts are carried to perfection', or to Monte Carlo, Biarritz or Deauville. The invalids favoured the Pyrenees or Savoy, making Pau the 'ville anglaise'. Bordeaux was where the British, because of the wine trade, attained great influence. Many settled in France to save money, the Channel Coast was popular with those who fled creditors or disgrace at home. Food and architecture and the arts more generally attracted many, as did the climate of the Riviera." "The revolutions in travel brought about by railways, motoring and aircraft provide a constant theme. Looking at the cultural, economic and social comparisons of the businessmen, artisans, rentiers, invalids and tourists, Peter Thorold tells a fascinating story of the changing relationship with our ancient neighbour."--Jacket.