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.

Cezanne à Château Noir, a book by William Drea Adams and Thierry Maugenest

August 21, 2025

The authors of Cezanne à Château Noir are passionate admirers of Paul Cezanne’s art. The book centers around Château Noir, a private estate located on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, near Le Tholonet. This stunning location offers views of Mont Saint-Victoire and continues to inspire artists even today. After visiting Château Noir three years ago, William …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Hotels Provence & Cote d'Azur · Stay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence

Staying at Domaine La Pierre Blanche is Pure Provencal Magic

August 18, 2025

Arriving at Domaine la Pierre Blanche feels like entering a private country home in Provence. This boutique hotel, with 15 rooms, is tucked away from the road, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Bouches-du-Rhône region. Whether you believe in magic or not, staying at Domaine la Pierre Blanche is an unforgettable experience. …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Dessert · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Lavender Roasted Apricots for a Delicious and Quick Summer Dessert

August 15, 2025

Apricots are abundant in the Provence markets in the summer months. The delicious dessert with lavender-roasted apricots below comes from ElsaLenthal.com and has been republished with her permission. Apricots: Summer Stonefruit Apricots are stonefruit (Latin: Prunus sect. Armeniaca) related to plums. The fruit grows on a small tree, about the same size as an olive …

Artists Inspired by Provence · Inspire · Keith Van Sickle

L’Aix de Cezanne 2025 Photo Exhibition is a Must-See

August 11, 2025

It’s the Year of Cezanne (“Cezanne 2025”) in Aix-en-Provence, with a series of events, exhibitions, and site openings celebrating Aix’s most famous son. One of them, “Cezanne’s Aix”, opened in July, featuring an exhibition of over 200 photographs dedicated to the life and times of the great artist. Organized by the CEPPIA Foundation, it is …

Explore · Guest Post · Villages Towns and Cities

Nice to Monaco Day Trip: Tips & Tricks For Your Perfect Getaway

August 7, 2025

A day trip from Nice to Monaco is one of the most rewarding getaways you can experience on the French Riviera. If you are planning it in the near future, you’re in luck. Whether you’re seeking luxury, history, or simply breathtaking views, Monaco has something to offer – and it’s surprisingly easy to reach. There …

Gayle Padgett · Inspire · Shopping & Gifts

Discover La Botte Gardiane: The Ultimate Cowboy Boots—à la Française

August 7, 2025

These boots weren’t made for walking, but rather for horsing around on an actual pony. Recently, we visited the leather goods manufacturer La Botte Gardiane in the Camargue. La Botte Gardiane Mais oui, back in 1958, when the French boot-making company La Botte Gardiane began designing footwear, the intended customers were horseback riders, specifically the …

Martine Bertin-Peterson · Restaurant Recommendations · Taste

Eating My Way Through Provence My Favourite Restaurants in Les Alpilles

August 4, 2025

If you really want to get to know a place, start with what’s on the plate. During my recent trip through Provence, I followed my appetite across markets, bistros, and white-tablecloth restaurants — and each meal felt like a little window into the region’s soul. The food wasn’t just delicious; it was rooted. Honest. The …

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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Seaside 2-Bedroom Apartment in Villefranche

A sunny waterfront apartment with panoramic views, Plage Privée, is on the top floor of a 1950s art deco building by the beach.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
Two Bedrooms

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Holiday Apartment 3-Bedrooms in an Olive Grove

A delightful 3-bedroom holiday apartment at Domaine des Escavalins is an organic olive farm. Well-appointed and private, the gite has room for six (6) people.

Var
Three Bedrooms

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Alpilles 2-Bedroom Rental Stunning Guesthouse

La Picholine is a completely renovated barn with 2 ensuite bedrooms in the centre of the quiet village of Mollégès in the Alpilles. It's a perfect base for a holiday in the area.

Alpilles
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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Provence Marketplace

Handcrafted Tote Bags in Provencal Designs

Beach to Market: large tote bags in a range of Provencal fabrics. There are several patterns to choose from this Remember Provence collection. These sturdy bags are light yet strong enough to carry all the necessary accessories and even a laptop. The bags are made with printed and quilted fabric and have solid handles. Soft and foldable, and machine washable on a delicate cycle.

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Bright and Beautiful Table Linens from Provence

Discover the Beaulieu linen collection features Provence's iconic sunflower in yellows and blues. This collection includes , napkins and table runners. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Liquid Bath Soap from Provence

Made in Provence with olive oil and perfumed with an exclusive Rose et Marius fragrance. Use this liquid soap in your next shower. The summery scent of orange blossoms and Turkish rose essence is created in Grasse. These refillable, paraben-free liquid soaps are found in beautiful 5* hotels and top-quality restaurants.

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Alpilles in Provence

Château d’Estoublon located near Fontvieille produces an exceptional olive oil from olives grown on the estate in the Alpilles. Harvested and produced on the property, this premium olive oil showcases Mediterranean terroir, making it a must-have for any kitchen. Available in 4 flavours.

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Travel Journal – Cannes

Whether you are visiting Cannes for the film festival or not this travel journal is perfect for recording you adventures on the Côte d’Azur. This travel journal from My French Country Home features watercolour prints on throughout its 128 pages. Size: 14.5 x 20.5 cm. It is beautiful, combining sustainability with artistry.

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Hand-painted Kitchen Canisters

Add a touch of French lavender to your kitchen with these hand-painted glass jars. These air-tight canisters are designed with a Provencal lavender motif and are perfect for dry goods or even as a flower vase. The jar capacity is 0.4 gallons (1.5 litres) and made with transparent, sturdy glass and a wooden lid.

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Spring Menu Collection

Spring recipes from Provence is organized by course, from starters to desserts. We have featured menus crafted by our favourite food enthusiasts who have shared our love for Provence for several years. This spring recipe collection brings many of those delicious dishes together in one place. These menus, spanning multiple courses, are a testament to their connection with the region and the use of seasonal ingredients.

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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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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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Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Gayle Padgett

Cezanne à Château Noir, a book by William Drea Adams and Thierry Maugenest

Staying at Domaine La Pierre Blanche is Pure Provencal Magic

Lavender Roasted Apricots for a Delicious and Quick Summer Dessert

L’Aix de Cezanne 2025 Photo Exhibition is a Must-See

Nice to Monaco Day Trip: Tips & Tricks For Your Perfect Getaway

Discover La Botte Gardiane: The Ultimate Cowboy Boots—à la Française

Eating My Way Through Provence My Favourite Restaurants in Les Alpilles

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