Listen free for 30 days
-
C'est Modnifique!
- Adventures of an English Grump in Rural France
- Narrated by: Ian Moore
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Entertainment & Performing Arts
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £19.39
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
À La Mod
- My So-Called Tranquil Family Life in Rural France
- By: Ian Moore
- Narrated by: Ian Moore
- Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ian Moore is a stand-up comedian in the UK and a husband, father of three boys, farmhand and chutney-maker in France. He is a mod in both walks of life and most of his time is spent travelling grumpily between the two. Comedian, mod and professional grump Ian Moore has had enough. Tired of being unable to park anywhere near his cramped house in a noisy town he doesn’t like, he hatches a plan to move his wife and young son to a remote corner of the Loire Valley in search of serenity and space.
-
-
tale of ex pat Brit in France with a Parka & pets
- By Jane Viccars -Axelrad on 11-08-14
-
How to Survive Family Holidays
- By: Jack Whitehall, Michael Whitehall, Hilary Whitehall
- Narrated by: Hilary Whitehall, Jack Whitehall, Michael Whitehall
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No one family has more experience of travelling together than the Whitehalls. Indeed they've been allowing us a window to their escapades for the past five years in the hit Netflix show Travels with My Father, and in this hilarious book, they have now decided to pool their advice for fellow travellers. To lay out the pitfalls of family holidays. The dos and don'ts, the highs and lows. In doing so, they are sharing some of their best anecdotes.
-
-
I Loved the book i just wish there was more !
- By Robbie-john Drain on 19-10-21
-
Death and Croissants
- A Follet Valley Mystery, Book 1
- By: Ian Moore
- Narrated by: Ian Moore
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Richard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B in the fictional Val de Follet in the Loire Valley. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that’s the way he likes it. One day, however, one of his older guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wallpaper. Another guest, the exotic Valérie, persuades a reluctant Richard to join her in investigating the disappearance. Richard remains a dazed passenger in the case until things become really serious and someone murders Ava Gardner, one of his beloved hen...and you don’t mess with a fellow’s hens!
-
-
It’s alright I suppose.
- By Anonymous User on 30-01-22
-
My Good Life in France
- In Pursuit of the Rural Dream
- By: Janine Marsh
- Narrated by: Esther Wane
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One grey dismal day, Janine Marsh was on a trip to northern France to pick up some cheap wine. She returned to England a few hours later having put in an offer on a rundown old barn in the rural Seven Valleys area of Pas de Calais. This was not something she'd expected or planned for. Janine eventually gave up her job in London to move with her husband to live the good life in France. Or so she hoped. While getting to grips with the locals and la vie Française, and renovating her dilapidated new house, a building lacking the comforts of mains drainage, heating, or proper rooms.
-
-
loved it
- By JohnJenner on 28-10-20
-
C'est la Folie
- One Man's Quest for a More Meaningful Life
- By: Michael Wright
- Narrated by: Michael Wright
- Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One day in late summer, Michael Wright gave up his comfortable South London existence and, with only his long-suffering cat for company, set out to begin a new life. His destination was "La Folie", a dilapidated 15th century farmhouse in need of love and renovation in the heart of rural France.
-
-
C'est formidable !
- By Timothy on 23-12-12
-
Je t'aime à La Folie
- By: Michael Wright
- Narrated by: Michael Wright
- Length: 15 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three years into his solo adventure in rural France, Michael Wright believes he has everything he ever wanted: a ramshackle house, several manly power tools, a cat, a grand piano and a vintage aircraft. Three unfulfilled wishes from his childhood begin to haunt him. He wants to grow one perfect potato. He wants to know how it feels to fly a Spitfire. And, more than anything, he wants to meet his soulmate.
-
-
Beautiful listening, could listen again easily.
- By Sheila V. on 06-07-13
-
À La Mod
- My So-Called Tranquil Family Life in Rural France
- By: Ian Moore
- Narrated by: Ian Moore
- Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ian Moore is a stand-up comedian in the UK and a husband, father of three boys, farmhand and chutney-maker in France. He is a mod in both walks of life and most of his time is spent travelling grumpily between the two. Comedian, mod and professional grump Ian Moore has had enough. Tired of being unable to park anywhere near his cramped house in a noisy town he doesn’t like, he hatches a plan to move his wife and young son to a remote corner of the Loire Valley in search of serenity and space.
-
-
tale of ex pat Brit in France with a Parka & pets
- By Jane Viccars -Axelrad on 11-08-14
-
How to Survive Family Holidays
- By: Jack Whitehall, Michael Whitehall, Hilary Whitehall
- Narrated by: Hilary Whitehall, Jack Whitehall, Michael Whitehall
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No one family has more experience of travelling together than the Whitehalls. Indeed they've been allowing us a window to their escapades for the past five years in the hit Netflix show Travels with My Father, and in this hilarious book, they have now decided to pool their advice for fellow travellers. To lay out the pitfalls of family holidays. The dos and don'ts, the highs and lows. In doing so, they are sharing some of their best anecdotes.
-
-
I Loved the book i just wish there was more !
- By Robbie-john Drain on 19-10-21
-
Death and Croissants
- A Follet Valley Mystery, Book 1
- By: Ian Moore
- Narrated by: Ian Moore
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Richard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B in the fictional Val de Follet in the Loire Valley. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that’s the way he likes it. One day, however, one of his older guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wallpaper. Another guest, the exotic Valérie, persuades a reluctant Richard to join her in investigating the disappearance. Richard remains a dazed passenger in the case until things become really serious and someone murders Ava Gardner, one of his beloved hen...and you don’t mess with a fellow’s hens!
-
-
It’s alright I suppose.
- By Anonymous User on 30-01-22
-
My Good Life in France
- In Pursuit of the Rural Dream
- By: Janine Marsh
- Narrated by: Esther Wane
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One grey dismal day, Janine Marsh was on a trip to northern France to pick up some cheap wine. She returned to England a few hours later having put in an offer on a rundown old barn in the rural Seven Valleys area of Pas de Calais. This was not something she'd expected or planned for. Janine eventually gave up her job in London to move with her husband to live the good life in France. Or so she hoped. While getting to grips with the locals and la vie Française, and renovating her dilapidated new house, a building lacking the comforts of mains drainage, heating, or proper rooms.
-
-
loved it
- By JohnJenner on 28-10-20
-
C'est la Folie
- One Man's Quest for a More Meaningful Life
- By: Michael Wright
- Narrated by: Michael Wright
- Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One day in late summer, Michael Wright gave up his comfortable South London existence and, with only his long-suffering cat for company, set out to begin a new life. His destination was "La Folie", a dilapidated 15th century farmhouse in need of love and renovation in the heart of rural France.
-
-
C'est formidable !
- By Timothy on 23-12-12
-
Je t'aime à La Folie
- By: Michael Wright
- Narrated by: Michael Wright
- Length: 15 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three years into his solo adventure in rural France, Michael Wright believes he has everything he ever wanted: a ramshackle house, several manly power tools, a cat, a grand piano and a vintage aircraft. Three unfulfilled wishes from his childhood begin to haunt him. He wants to grow one perfect potato. He wants to know how it feels to fly a Spitfire. And, more than anything, he wants to meet his soulmate.
-
-
Beautiful listening, could listen again easily.
- By Sheila V. on 06-07-13
-
(Not Quite) Mastering the Art of French Living
- By: Mark Greenside
- Narrated by: Richard Poe
- Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Every year upon arriving in Plobien, the small Breton town where he spends his summers, American writer Mark Greenside picks back up where he left off with his faux-pas-filled Francophile life. Mellowed and humbled, but not daunted (OK, slightly daunted), he faces imminent concerns: What does he cook for a French person? Who has the right-of-way when entering or exiting a roundabout? Where does he pay for a parking ticket? And most dauntingly of all, when can he touch the tomatoes?
-
-
(Not quite) mastering french pronunciation
- By Amazon Customer on 01-01-22
-
A Good Year
- By: Peter Mayle
- Narrated by: Tim Pigott-Smith
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Max Skinner is a man at the heart of London's financial universe until his employers embark on a little asset-stripping of their own. Himself. Amid the grey London drizzle, there is one potential ray of sunshine: Max's Uncle Harry has left him his estate in his will, an eighteenth-century chateau and vineyard an hour's drive from Avignon.
-
-
A Good Year. By Peter Mayle.
- By Edward on 07-04-09
-
The Cyclist Who Went Out in the Cold
- Adventures Along the Iron Curtain Trail
- By: Tim Moore
- Narrated by: Tim Moore
- Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Scaling a new peak of rash overambition, Tim Moore tackles the 9,000 kilometer route of the old Iron Curtain on a tiny-wheeled, two-geared East German shopping bike. Asking for trouble and getting it, he sets off from the northernmost Norwegian-Russian border at the Arctic winter's brutal height, bullying his plucky MIFA 900 through the endless and massively subzero desolation of snowbound Finland.
-
-
funny, informative, quality impersonations
- By Marco on 22-10-17
-
The Marlow Murder Club
- By: Robert Thorogood
- Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie
- Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Seventy-seven-year-old Judith Potts is blissfully happy. She lives alone in a faded mansion in Marlow, sets crosswords for The Times, and there’s no man in her life to tell her what to do or how much whisky to drink. One evening, while out swimming in the Thames, Judith witnesses a brutal murder. When the local police don’t believe her story, Judith and two unlikely friends decide to investigate for themselves. Together, they are the Marlow Murder Club.
-
-
Excellent
- By Topsy on 12-02-21
-
A Beer in the Loire
- One Family's Quest to Brew British Beer in French Wine Country
- By: Tommy Barnes
- Narrated by: Jay Foreman
- Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Frustrated by a dead-end job, fed up with renting in London and the loathsome daily commute and, to cap it all, failing to make it as a stand-up comedian, Tommy Barnes was at breaking point. But he didn’t break - instead, he made himself redundant and took off to France with girlfriend Rose to pursue his dream of brewing beer.
-
-
Enjoyed it so much i searched for other titles
- By Anonymous User on 14-04-22
-
Walking Home
- Travels with a Troubadour on the Pennine Way
- By: Simon Armitage
- Narrated by: Simon Armitage
- Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In summer 2010 Simon Armitage decided to walk the Pennine Way. The challenging 256 mile route is usually approached from south to north, from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm, the other side of the Scottish border. He resolved to tackle it the other way round: through beautiful and bleak terrain, across lonely fells and into the howling wind, he would be walking home, towards the Yorkshire village where he was born.
-
-
A relaxing and enjoyable read
- By Sue McW on 12-06-13
-
A Three Dog Problem
- By: SJ Bennett
- Narrated by: Samantha Bond
- Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Queen Elizabeth II is having a royal nightmare. A referendum divides the nation, a tumultuous election grips the United States - and the body of a staff member is found dead beside Buckingham Palace swimming pool. Is it a tragic accident, as the police think? Or is something more sinister going on? As Her Majesty looks for answers, her trusted assistant, Rozie, is on the trail of a treasured painting that once hung outside the queen's bedroom.
-
-
Wonderful!
- By MrsPSEEng on 08-02-22
-
Dear Michael, Love Dad
- Letters, laughter and all the things we leave unsaid.
- By: Iain Maitland
- Narrated by: Michael Simkins
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A wonderfully written account of a father's relationship with his troubled son, as told through his funny, tender letters. In 2007 Michael Maitland left home for university, and in the years that followed he developed depression, OCD and, almost fatally, anorexia. It was only when Michael was taken to hospital in 2012, his body shutting down and his organs failing, that the family realised exactly what was happening.
-
-
Honest, raw, open and soul destroying!
- By mrs zoe roberts on 20-03-17
-
A Spoonful of Murder
- By: J.M. Hall
- Narrated by: Julie Hesmondhalgh
- Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café. But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy. By the next Thursday, Topsy’s dead. The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder. But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye - and it’s down to them to prove it.
-
-
Will Not Disapoint ! ! !
- By Miss G. B. Abraham on 20-03-22
-
A Year in the Merde
- By: Stephen Clarke
- Narrated by: Justin Edwards
- Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In his first novel, Stephen Clarke gives a laugh-out-loud account of the pleasures and perils of being a Brit in France. Less quaint than A Year in Provence, less chocolatey than Chocolat, A Year in the Merde will tell you how to get served by the grumpiest Parisian waiter; how to make perfect vinaigrette every time; how to make amour - not war; and how not to buy a house in the French countryside.
-
-
Good Merde
- By ID H. on 16-03-22
-
I, Partridge: We Need to Talk About Alan
- By: Alan Partridge
- Narrated by: Alan Partridge
- Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Journalist, presenter, broadcaster, husband, father, vigorous all-rounder – Alan Partridge – a man with a fascinating past and an amazing future. Gregarious and popular, yet Alan’s never happier than when relaxing in his own five-bedroom, south-built house with three acres of land and access to a private stream. But who is this mysterious enigma? Alan Gordon Partridge is the best – and best-loved – radio presenter in the region. Born into a changing world of rationing, Teddy Boys, apes in space and the launch of ITV, Alan’s broadcasting career began as chief DJ of Radio Smile....
-
-
You get what you pay for
- By Ico on 06-10-11
-
A Year in the Château
- By: Sarah Long
- Narrated by: Helen Lloyd
- Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Nicola's husband, Dominic, retires they decide not to spend their days finding hobbies to fill the time until Countdown is on. Instead, they fulfil their life-long fantasy of buying a country house and filling it with their dearest friends. Reliving their youth and spending their children's inheritance. Joined by seven of their friends they club together to invest in a château in Normandy. Group dinners, fine wine, beautiful scenery - they're living the dream!
-
-
Fabulous
- By Anonymous User on 27-12-20
Summary
After six years in the idyllic Loire Valley, comedian Ian Moore, his family, and his ever-expanding menagerie are beginning to feel like they're on the cusp of the peace and tranquility they hoped for when they moved from dreary Crawley to la belle France. Their grand project, a writing school called Les Champs Créatifs, is finally complete - only, nobody's signed up. Natalie and the boys must contend with the ever-colorful locals, including a Sicilian faith healer, threatening hunters, and the "Christmas Pudding Man", and Ian must test his mod mettle against two new additions to the animal family - a pair of disappearing goats. With stresses, strains, and animal poo mounting up la famille Moore have their work cut out - but they're determined to give it their best shot!
More from the same
What listeners say about C'est Modnifique!
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ann D
- 26-04-15
Lovely listen/read!
What does Ian Moore bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
The author narrated this perfectly. Of course it was his own book about his life and his family. At times his voice was full of emotion (I think he was struggling not to cry a couple of times) as he recalled some experiences.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, given the time, that would really work.
Any additional comments?
This was the sequal to an earlier which I had enjoyed slightly more. I recommend listening/reading them in order.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Maid Marian
- 13-04-15
Excellent, both story and narration
Ian tells his own story of his life in France and, although he's not a professional narrator, he's the best man for the job. I like his positive attitude and determination to make a go of it. A light-hearted tale with a good level of interest throughout- there were no boring bits! Would recommend to all Francophiles.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tullyt
- 20-02-15
Can't wait for the next one
Thank you it was a great listen. Again.
You need to tour North of England not that I wish to take you away from your family for more than you wish.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Abby
- 09-05-17
I laughed, I cried
Loved the second instalment of this story (although annoys me that audible doesn't make it clear in the write up).
Ian has quite a deadpan, brummy sort of accent which sits his portrayal of his put upon life in France. Where his family bully him into doing things he doesn't want to do, his house becomes overrun with orphan animals and things repeatedly go wrong for him.
Very funny and very touching.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sue McW
- 02-09-16
Brilliant book with stand-out narration
I loved this book, and it's companion volume 'A La Mod' - they were both such a wonderful surprise. The narration is excellent - I was not aware of Ian Moore as a stand-up comedian but his voice is perfect for telling the amusing and moving story of his family's move to France and the various animals they adopt. I would recommend this to anyone.
It is not a twee 'we moved to France' book - it is a down to earth amusing read.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- TrueBrit
- 24-07-22
Why?
Having listened to the author talking through his life’s experiences in a light hearted way and in a voice very near monotonous, I find myself asking why I enjoyed it so much. Was it the fact I spent ten years living in the Charente? I don’t think so, although I can identify myself in many of the situations. It could be the honest, straight forward way it presents itself so that one can readily believe the scenarios displayed.
I really feel happy and glad I chose this book to listen to and almost feel apart of.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Maria Gaian
- 21-08-20
Excellent.
Loved this second installment of Ian Moore's adventure in France. Funny. yet poignant at times, you can hear the emotion in his voice. Brilliantly written and read. More please!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- mr
- 05-12-19
Most of my French comes from this audible
I listen to this as I go to sleep and have done for a couple of years. My husband takes French lesson and yet I still seem to somehow know more French than him. Thanks Ian. Great book and free French lesson ta boot!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Carol
- 06-05-18
.
Excellent! Made me giggle. Would recommend this book as a "cheerer upper'! (No sych word I think).
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Toby
- 13-12-14
Ian Moore writes and read this - so special!
Would you consider the audio edition of C'est Modnifique! to be better than the print version?
How would I know? I am visually impaired and can only listen to books.
What did you like best about this story?
The gentle humor and compassion for animals and human beings. I also loved the details about living in rural France.
Have you listened to any of Ian Moore’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
Yes. I have listened to his first book, a La Mod ... that is also very good. I suppose I would say this may be a tad bit better, but again -- who can say? Because I've read the first book and read his blog posts, I feel as if I almost know him and his family.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
I do not answer these type of questions as I find it irrelevant. I also almost never, ever go to see a film of a book I have read. They are never good.
Any additional comments?
Ian Moore's reading of this book lends it a very special touch. Not many authors can read their own books well. Perhaps because he is a comic, he can do it. It is such an easy and natural reading, that I feel as if I am there with him, nodding and laughing or crying a bit. I love his gently humanity. An intelligent humorist.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Tom
- 27-11-18
James Harriot meets Peter Mayle
Gutsy mixture of an anglophile, the French country side and farm life as told by a comedian. The animals get a bit raunchy but those are the facts of life.
1 person found this helpful