Both the Michelin and Rough Guides, of course, but for different approaches:
Alexander, Stephanie
Cooking and Travelling in South-West France
Viking 2002. Stephanie stayed in the house while researching this book, and has information on the hamlet, the surrounding area, and local food and food traditions, much of it supplied by our former neighbour Henriette.
Barber, Richard
The Companion Guide to South-West France
Collins (1977)
Bentley, James
A Guide to the Dordogne,
Viking, (1985)
Bentley, James
Life and Food in the Dordogne,
(1986)
Bentley, James
The Most Beautiful Villages of the Dordogne
Beautiful coffee table book, light on text
Brook, Stephan
The Dordogne (1986)
Dated, but text and photographs of interest.
Friedrich, Jacqueline
The Wines of France,
10 Speed Press (2006)
Michelin Green Guides
The Wine Regions of France, 2005
Moody, Mary
Au Revoir (2002). Last Tango in Toulouse (2003), etc Mary’s house is in the village of Freyssinet-le-Gelat, about half an hour south of La Vieille Grange. Also, Lunch with Madame Murat (2005) – the love of food, a traditional family restaurant in a rural village. Read the book then visit the restaurant, Chez Jeanne (in Pomarède, about 45 min, 50 km drive southeast of Mercadiol). Book if you plan to go for the popular Sunday lunch.
Sanders, Michael
From here, you can’t see Paris—seasons of a French village and its restaurant
HarperCollins (2003)
Village life in the Lot today;
read the book then book a table at the La Recreation restaurant (in Les Arques, about 45 mins 50 km drive south of Mercadiol via Gourdon). Although Michael is no longer there, the food and atmosphere is much as it was.
Sanders, Michael
Families of the Vine
nterviews and commentary on the Cahors wine industry of the Lot valley; informative and well-intentioned but has an odd style.
Strang, Jeanne
Goose fat and garlic Cooking and country recipes from the south-west.
White, Freda
Three Rivers of France Dordogne, Lot,
Tarn (1952)
A classic!
La Vieille Grange 