Middle-brow novels set in France?

[Lovage]

I'm off to France for my hols and I'd love to read some novels set in France while I'm there. Not high-brow stuff, because I just know I won't fancy it while I'm away. So no Zola or Victor Hugo, thanks. I like chick lit when I'm on holiday, as well as it's reasonably well-written and not too formulaic. But something a bit more challenging than that kind of thing would also be fine too.

Can anyone recommend anything?

Lovage, I've remembered, it's this
Nothing to do with France!

The Foundling Boy by Michel Deon. A modern French classic, now available in English from the lovely people at Gallic Press, it's fabulous and funny.

Excellent! Keep 'em coming.

I had no idea there were further books in the Love in a Cold Climate series, and both set in France, ideal! Thank you very much riverboat1, I have bought The Blessing as well as Don't Tell Alfred (I love Alfred, he is my favourite character even though you never get much of him).

Thanks clearsommespace. I've not got on terribly well with Carol Shields before, but I might try this one.

Ilovemyteddy, the foundling boy does look good but is currently above my self-imposed limit of £5 (I mostly buy secondhand books (or Kindle cheapies), but it's clearly in demand secondhand too). I may buy it anyway as a holiday luxury.

And I've bought The Chateau, swanhildapirrouetting, thank you.

Ooh yes, I second Pagnol' s Jean de Florette & Manon des Sources. Might have to re-read them myself now!