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.

2026 Summer Festivals in Provence and the Côte d’Azur

June 1, 2026

What’s on this summer in the South of France? Please note that some festivals open online ticketing early (in April or May) and sell out quickly. During the summer in Provence and the Côte d’Azur, daytime temperatures range from warm to hot. So, you don’t need an excuse to laze by the pool. The lavender …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Expat Living and Real Estate · Inspire

Living in Provence, France: A Feature Story on The Connexion

May 29, 2026

Since 2002, The Connexion has been a trusted English-language window into life in France. Its readers range from long-time residents to hopeful newcomers and curious property owners. Whether in print or online, The Connexion delivers stories on French news, travel, legal matters, taxes, and visas. Readers also find hands-on guides for navigating property, healthcare, and …

Keith Van Sickle · Restaurant Recommendations · Taste

Ready-to-Eat? Try Rôtisserie Poulette in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

May 25, 2026

Sometimes you don’t want to cook. If you are near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you are in luck. For a simple but tasty meal tonight, or picnic fixings, head to Rôtisserie Poulette in St-Rémy-de-Provence. Located a short walk from the center of St-Rémy’s old town, this artisanal rotisserie is run by Lisa and Andreas. They are a young …

Guest Post · Main Course · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Across the Sea: The Surprising Links Between Sardinia and Provence

May 22, 2026

When I tell people I grew up in Sardinia and that I feel at home every time I read about Provence, they usually look puzzled. One is an Italian island anchored in the deep blue of the Mediterranean. The other is a sun-drenched corner of southern France, famous for its lavender and rosé. On a …

Markets in Provence and Cote d'Azur · Sue Aran · Taste

Edible Provence: Exploring Markets, History and Culinary Traditions in Provence

May 20, 2026

Provence is a magical triangle in southeastern France that continues to enchant. The French passion for food is celebrated in its open-air village markets, where seasonal produce is the mainstay of daily life. This sun-kissed corner of the map offers a bounty of genuinely fresh fruits and vegetables, tantalizing delicacies, and irresistible scents of lavender, …

French Cooking Classes · Guest Post · Taste

From Local Markets to the Table: Inside an Authentic Provençal Cooking Experience

May 18, 2026

There is a time of day in Aix-en-Provence when shutters crack open, the lift softens, and the air is filled with the scent of warm stone and fresh herbs. It is that exact moment, as the city awakes, that an authentic Provençal cooking experience begins. It doesn’t start in the kitchen, but in the historic …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Expat Living and Real Estate

The Connexion: A Trusted Partner for Living in France

May 17, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce a special treat for our North American readers. Perfectly Provence has teamed up with The Connexion to offer you a complimentary 14-day pass to their guide Moving to and Living in France in 2026, designed especially for US citizens. Get full access to the €29.99 digital guide for free for …

Luberon B&B Absoluut Valvert

Exclusive and charming, this 5 room B&B is surrounded by nature yet is only a stone's throw from historical Bonnieux.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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6-Bedroom Villa a Provencal Farmhouse Sleeps 12

Mas de Grivet is an elegant, well-equipped family home that sleeps 12 in six en-suite bedrooms. Whether you're spending the holiday with extended family or a gathering of friends, this gorgeous property is a wonderful place to enjoy your stay in Provence.

Alpes de Hautes Provence
Luberon
Six Bedrooms

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Large Property Near Aix - Ferme du Val

Ferme du Val is a spacious seven (7) bedroom home, including a studio apartment that sleeps, 14 people. Available for short or long-term rental.

Bouches du Rhone
Seven 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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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

Stylish Cooler Bag from Provence

Le Rob'Fresh is a lightweight cooler bag for bottles, lunch or even a picnic. The cooler bag weighs 300g (10 oz) and can hold 2.8 kg (6 lbs). Available in a collection of designs. The fabric is OEKO-TEX® certified, and the bags have an environmentally-friendly kraft gel pack. Le Rob'Fresh medium version is L 37 cm (14.5 in) x H 25cm (10 in) x W 10 cm (4 in). The bags are machine-washable (in cold). Price is 35€ + shipping.

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Travel Journal for Nice, France

Record your Côte d'Azur adventures in Nice in this beautiful journal. This travel journal from My French Country Home features watercolor prints on both the cover and throughout its 128 pages. Size: 14.5 x 20.5 cm, made recycled paper (25%) the journal is eco-friendly and beautiful, combining sustainability with artistry.

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Heart-Shaped Plates in Olive Wood

Add some flair to your next dinner party with these heart-shaped plates made with French olive wood. Sold individually, these plates are easy to maintain; wash them in soap and water and dry them immediately. Not suitable for dishwashers. They are sold by My French Country Home Box.

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Liquid Shower Soap from Provence

Imagine a typical Provencal relaxed lunch with chilled rosé under the arbour. These Rose et Marius liquid shower soaps are paraben-free. Made with olive oil from Provence and exclusive fragrances created in Grasse. Find these refillable soaps in beautiful 5* hotels, top-quality restaurants, or your home.

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Ceramic Baskets Made in France

Maison Pichon is an artisanal French ceramics manufacturer since 1802. Available in three (3) colours, these elegant oval-shaped, ceramic baskets are perfect for fruit, vegetables, or anything else. Handcrafted in Uzès by Maison Pichon these ceramic baskets with a braided design and tiny flowers are sold individually.

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Maison Pichon Braided Ceramic Baskets

My French Country Home is showcasing Maison Pichon braided ceramic baskets. These decorative pottery stands are beautiful decorations but equally practical on your kitchen counter for fruit or other objects. Available in two colours, the Maison Pichon products are handmade in Uzes.

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Sunflower Design Provencal Table Linens and Cushions

Provence's sunflower for your home with this beautiful collection in two background colours (white or blue). Choose from tablecloths (of different sizes), runners and cushions. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Lavender Sachet from Provence “Cyprès”

L'AUGUSTE Provence organic lavender sachets featuring a row of cypress trees. These sachets are decorative objects with a delicate soothing fragrance.

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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 Spring Menu Collection

Gayle Padgett

2026 Summer Festivals in Provence and the Côte d’Azur

Living in Provence, France: A Feature Story on The Connexion

Ready-to-Eat? Try Rôtisserie Poulette in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Across the Sea: The Surprising Links Between Sardinia and Provence

Edible Provence: Exploring Markets, History and Culinary Traditions in Provence

From Local Markets to the Table: Inside an Authentic Provençal Cooking Experience

The Connexion: A Trusted Partner for Living in France

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