The author and film-maker Marcel Pagnol is inextricably linked with Marseille – where he lived, set some of his early works and is buried – and with the Provencal countryside around the city.  The area's garrigue landscape provides the backdrop to his popular autobiographical works, La Gloire de Mon Père (My Father's Glory) and Le Château de Ma Mère (My Mother's Castle) and is also the setting for his gripping novels, Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources.  This episode gives a little biographical information, an idea of where to ‘find’ him in the area today and some appetite-whetting snippets of his work.

Reading Suggestions

Autobiographical works

My Father's Glory and My Mother's Castle (double volume)

3 Plays set in Marseille (in French)

Marius

Fanny

César

Two novels set in Provence

Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources (double volume)

Links for this post

Information on walks in Marcel Pagnol territory     

Marcel Pagnol’s Birthplace   

Aubagne Tourist Office   

Le Petit Monde de Marcel Pagnol   

Village des Santons in Marseille     

Guide to La Treille   

Château de la Buzine   

 

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