Gayle Padgett

Gayle Smith Padgett, a UCLA graduate, has two master’s degress, neither in French. After studying in Mexico and South America, she worked as a language specialist in California and Virginia and later as a management analyst and US government liaison in Heidelberg, Germany. In 2011, she and her husband moved to Provence where they continue to crack French culture codes.

Discover more about Gayle's backstory and writing on her website - gaylesmithpadgett.com and read her books Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie and The Birdwatcher's Wife: A Quest across France for Birds and La Belle Vie.

How Rose et Marius Teaches You the Beautiful Art of Perfumery

October 23, 2026

The landscapes and scents of Provence leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Rose et Marius stands out in this tradition as a luxury brand known for its expertise in Provençal perfumery. Located in the old town of Aix-en-Provence, their boutique features perfumes, soaps, candles, diffusers, and more, all crafted with care. You can …

Guest Post · Living in Provence · Stay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence

Finding My Own Provence: A Stay in Puyricard and Aix-en-Provence

October 19, 2026

Whether you visit Provence for a short stay or a longer one, settling into a foreign country with a language different from your mother tongue is rarely a straight line. In the guest article below, Karen R shared her story of finding her own Provence during her stay in the region. In the end, Provence …

Keith Van Sickle · Local Food Producers · Taste

Art, Love, and Chocolate: A Joël Durand Collection Celebrates Salvador Dali

October 16, 2026

Do you like a delicious story involving art, love, and chocolate? Chocolatier Joël Durand of St-Rémy-de-Provence has created a new chocolate collection celebrating the love affair between artist Salvador Dali and Gala Éluard. The collection is available as of October 17, 2026. Enjoy this sweet treat and Keith’s article. Dali and His Muse In 1929, …

Our House in Provence · Restaurant Recommendations · Taste

Lunch with a View in Provence: La Table du Ventoux in Crillon-le-Brave

October 12, 2026

Michel and Shirley appreciate good food, seasonal ingredients, and service to match. It’s not always the case that a delicious lunch in Provence includes a view, but when it does…book a table. In Michel’s article, he shares the highlights of their lunch at La Table du Ventoux in Crillon-le-Brave. For many, lunch with a view …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Dessert · Pies & Tarts · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Walnut and Honey Tart Niçoise Tourte au Miel et aux Noix

October 9, 2026

Southern pecan pie and Quebec’s maple sugar pie, please move aside. This tart from Nice combines fresh walnuts and local honey into a delicious dessert. The recipe for Tourte au Miel et aux Noix comes from Carnets de cuisine du Comté de Nice, which is both a cookbook and a tribute to the essence of …

Provencal Recipes · Salad · Stephanie Villegas · Taste

Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese in an Orange Vinaigrette

October 5, 2026

This roasted beet salad is easy to prepare, delicious, and healthy. Since beets are typically fall produce, I think of it as a fall recipe, but the reality is you can make it whenever you find beets. In France, we are lucky to be able to buy roasted beets in the grocery store. The beets …

Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Book to Read: Road Trip to the Riviera by Gillian Harvey

October 2, 2026

Road Trip to the Riviera kicks off not with fireworks but with a fractured leg. Sarah, stuck in a boot, has no choice but to journey to the South of France with her ex-boyfriend Hal, who is also the father of their son. Gillian Harvey whisks them away on a quirky countryside-to-coast adventure in a …

Lourmarin Self-Catered Rental Apartments

Les Olivettes, once a Provencal farmhouse in the Luberon, has 4 spacious rental apartments only a 4-minute walk from the centre of Lourmarin.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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2-bedroom Penthouse Apartment in Apt

Looking over the rooftops of Apt. This 2-bedroom penthouse apartment is an ideal base from which to explore the Luberon Valley.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Two Bedrooms

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2-Bedroom Penthouse in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Extremely private, the Waterfront Penthouse 2-bedroom, 2-bath holiday rental with a panoramic view is a very romantic place.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
Two Bedrooms

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Studio Apartment Minutes from Aix-en-Provence

Surrounded by vineyards, the air-conditioned studio apartment has a bedroom, bathroom, a small kitchenette, and a sitting area.

Bouches du Rhone
One Bedroom

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Holiday Cottages Near Toulon

Near Toulon and its Mediterranean beaches, Villa Bernice has 3 cottages available for holiday rentals. There is an apartment with two bedrooms suitable for 4 people and two studios for 2 persons.

Var
One Bedroom
Two Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

Tote Bag for Shopping Made in Provence

From Remember Provence this shopper tote bag is from their Pastorale toile de Jouy collection. This lightweight tote bag folds easily and slips into a bag with the option of carrying it on the shoulder. Made of 100% cotton canvas the tote easy to maintain and durable. The dimensions of 43 by 37 cm are ideal for practical capacity. Available in several colors.

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Garden Kit a Gift for the Gardener

My French Country Home has created a limited edition collection for those who love gardening. The kit includes a gardening bag, 2 notebooks, hand cream, a candle and an antique flower frog. All the items are sourced in France.

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The Art of Antiquing in France Book and Gift Set by Sharon Santoni

Treat yourself or a loved one to an exclusive gift set from the My French Country Home Boutique, featuring: • An exclusive signed copy of The Art of Antiquing in France • Custom The Art of Antiquing in France bookmark • A unique antique monogrammed French napkin • One of the two floral notebooks • A My French Country Home tote bag, ideal for adding a touch of French flair to your daily routine

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Winter Recipes and Menu Collection

Featuring 20 recipes from the South of France for winter weather along with menu suggestions, all designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable. These multi-course menus are a celebration of Provence and its seasonal ingredients. We encourage you to try these dishes, create your own menus, and enjoy your culinary creations this winter.

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Canadian Herbes de Provence

Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm 2024 blend of Herbes de Provence are in stock. This dried herb mix (oregano, savory, thyme, rosemary, basil and lavender) what you want for seasoning roasted vegetables, dry rubs, or marinades. Note: Shipping in Canada only.

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Eco-friendly Wine Cooler Bag from Provence

Le Rob'Fresh is a chic, lightweight (200g - 7 oz) cooler bag for transporting your wine bottle or beverage. The cooler bag can hold 1.8 kg, is available in a collection of motifs, and is machine-washable (in cold). The fabric is OEKO-TEX® certified, and the bags have an environmentally-friendly kraft gel pack. The small Rob'Fresh version is L 36 cm (14 in) x H 19cm (7 in) x W 9 cm (3.5 in). Price is 23€ + shipping.

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Hand-Crafted Decorative Ceramic Sunflowers

Available in six (6) different colours these durable ceramic sunflowers are suitable for indoor or outdoor settings. Made by hand in Uzès by Maison Pichon these sunflowers are sold individually. Maison Pichon is an artisanal French ceramics manufacturer since 1802.

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Lavender Field Room Mist

Okanagan Lavender Field Room Mist is naturally scented with pure lavender essential oil and hydrosol, no synthetics or artificial fragrance. Spray in a room or directly on your bed linens, then lay back, close your eyes and breathe in the calming aroma of a beautiful field of lavender. (Shipping in Canada only).

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Flat Spatula Made of Olive Wood

Made out of beautiful olive wood, this 30 cm flat spatula is a terrific gift for anyone who likes cooking. Easy maintenance, wash in soap and water and dry immediately. Not suitable for dishwashers. Sold individually by My French Country Home Box.

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Download Our Fall Menu Collection

Gayle Padgett

How Rose et Marius Teaches You the Beautiful Art of Perfumery

Finding My Own Provence: A Stay in Puyricard and Aix-en-Provence

Art, Love, and Chocolate: A Joël Durand Collection Celebrates Salvador Dali

Lunch with a View in Provence: La Table du Ventoux in Crillon-le-Brave

Walnut and Honey Tart Niçoise Tourte au Miel et aux Noix

Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese in an Orange Vinaigrette

Book to Read: Road Trip to the Riviera by Gillian Harvey

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