The Birdwatcher's Wife Book by Gayle Smith Padgett
Books on ProvenceCarolyne Kauser-AbbottInspire

The Birdwatcher’s Wife Book by Gayle Smith Padgett

Retired and living in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence since 2011, even after a decade, Gayle Smith Padgett and her hubby Ralph continue their exploration of the region. In 2019, they embarked on “The Big Birding,” a 12-month project they decided would feed Ralph’s passion for birding and test Gayle’s logistical, writing, and record-keeping …

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Painting Workshops Provence Tessa Baker
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreGuided Holiday Tours

Get Creative in Provence Painting Holidays

It’s incredible how the energy in someone’s words radiates positivity. Reading Tessa Baker’s newsletter about her 2022 painting holidays in Provence, Antigua and the Cinque Terre, I felt like life is finally returning to “normal.”  We connected via Zoom to talk about her new creative projects, including an online course …

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St Remy de Provence Alpilles
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Reasons to Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Jewel of the Alpilles Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (often written as St Rémy) is perhaps the ideal-sized town in the Alpilles. Plenty of tempting boutiques, chic hotels, a charming pedestrian-friendly centre and many restaurants exist. The largest city in the Alpilles, St Rémy, has roughly 9,800 people. Popular all year, St Rémy can …

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Eygalieres Panorama Old Village Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Villages of the Alpilles: Eygalières

Pretty Eygalières Located on the northeastern edge of the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles, the hamlet of Eygalières has an official population of about 1,900 residents. However, when second homeowners and short-stay visitors descend upon the village in the summertime, the population swells well beyond the formal count. The setting …

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AOP Les Baux de Provence Wines of Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

Exploring the Vineyards of the Alpilles in Provence

The Stunning Alpilles The landscape of the Alpilles is not exactly the land of milk and honey but rather a harsh alpine climate that supports the growth of grapes and olives. Known as the Alpilles (small Alps), this 30km band of jagged limestone cliffs and scrub brush is a protected …

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Eygalieres Local Restaurants
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

Eygalières Restaurants Where to Eat

Unlike the abundant shopping in the heart of Saint Remy de Provence, the village of Eygalières has only a handful of boutiques. However, what this town lacks in retail opportunities it makes up for with places to eat and drink. The following list of cafés and restaurants in Eygalières is …

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Socca Delicious Specialty Nice S
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottProvencal RecipesTaste

Cuisine Nissarde Savoury and Sweet Recipes from Nice

Museums dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, a dynamic old town centre, shopping, and music are some of the many reasons to visit Nice. The largest city on the French Riviera with the shimmering Baie des Anges and famous beaches, the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department …

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Mathieu Museum in Gargas
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottFrench Decor & GardensInspire

Mathieu Lustrerie Brings Chandeliers to Life in Provence

“The chandelier is a jewel that never goes out of style.” ~ Mathieu Lustrerie website Régis Mathieu is a true artisan. His expertise lies in working with bronze, creating, and restoring chandeliers. After his father’s passing, he assumed the helm of the family business in 1990 – Mathieu Lustrerie. The …

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Biotope de Fonduranne
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreStay Fit

French Riviera Hiking and Biking in the Estérels

Estérel French Riviera Located in southeastern France, the Estérel coastal mountain range straddles both the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments. Of volcanic origins, the massif is roughly 32,000 hectares of rugged terrain awaiting exploration. Mont Vinaigre is the highest peak at 618 metres. According to the Estérel Côte d’Azur tourism office, …

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Sue Tipton Winemaker Lodi's Acquiesce Winery
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

Wine Club Discount from Acquiesce Winery

A Vineyard in Lodi Acquiesce Winery, located in Lodi, California stands apart from others in this appellation known for its concentration of Zinfandel red wines. The San Francisco Chronicle included the Acquiesce Winery tasting room among its list of 52 vineyards to visit in 2020. The vineyard produces only white …

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