Crossword Genius

In France, Peter eats fruit in second home? (4-1-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pied-a-terre

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'second home?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'in france peter eats fruit' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'fruit' could be 'date' (date is a kind of fruit) and 'date' is found within the answer.
'peter' could be 'pierre' (I have seen 'French Peter ' mean 'pierre' so perhaps 'peter' could also mean 'pierre') and 'pierre' is found within the remaining letters.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pied-a-terre that I've seen before include "Small home kept for occasional use" , "Dwelling for occasional use" , "Lodging kept for occasional use (French)" , "Small secondary flat or house" , "bijou accommodation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Telegraph.
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