In 1972, at the height of Monty Python mania, Eric Idle bought a crumbling ruin of a house in the hills of Provence. With no electricity, no running water, and no real plan, he set out to transform the neglected stone "shack" into what he lovingly calls a "shackeau"—a ramshackle chateau and the beating heart of his creative world for the next fifty years.

Idle in Provence is the story of that transformation—of both house and man. Against the sun-drenched backdrop of southern France, Idle penned iconic Python sketches, hosted a revolving door of eccentric and brilliant friends—George Harrison, Robin Williams, Harrison Ford, and others—and found a rare kind of peace far from the madness of showbiz. Equal parts memoir, travelogue, and comedy masterclass, the book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, tender reflections, and the kind of sharp, self-deprecating wit only Idle can deliver.

As he reflects on love, loss, friendship, and joy, Idle paints a vivid portrait of a place that became more than a home—it became a sanctuary. A place where scripts were scribbled, songs were sung, and laughter echoed through the olive groves.

The story spans decades, tracing not only the evolution of a house but the evolution of a life—one built on creativity, camaraderie, and comic rebellion. It’s a love letter to France, to old friends, and to the wild, unpredictable journey of being alive.

Along the way, readers are treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of Monty Python, candid memories of fame, and thoughtful meditations on life, purpose, and the legacy of laughter.

Charming, cheeky, and unexpectedly moving, Idle in Provence is Eric Idle at his best—candid and unforgettable.