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.

Planning a move to France? Discover The Connexion Guides for Expat Living

August 3, 2026

Moving to another country can be daunting. If you’re considering a move to France, you’re in good company. France attracts those seeking a lifestyle change—retirees looking for adventure or individuals exploring new careers. Reliable resources are crucial for navigating this transition, and The Connexion Guides for expat living are invaluable. But relocating to France comes …

Expat Living and Real Estate · Lieke Lobregt · Living in Provence · Stay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence

Buying a Home in France as a Foreigner: Step-by-Step Guide

July 31, 2026

Are you considering buying a home in France? Moving is not for the faint of heart, but relocating to another country adds another level of challenge. In this informative article, Lieke Lobregt outlines the step-by-step process for buying property in France. France remains one of the most accessible countries in Europe for foreign property buyers. …

Explore · Keith Van Sickle · Villages Towns and Cities

Discover Why St-Rémy-de-Provence has a Traffic Light, Part-time

July 29, 2026

St-Rémy-de-Provence has one of the best weekly markets in the region. The Wednesday morning market is very popular. The merchants love it, but it causes traffic problems because big parts of the market are on either side of the main street. Shoppers are constantly crossing from one side to the other, stopping cars and causing …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Expat Living and Real Estate

A Change of Pace in Provence: Moving from Los Angeles to Avignon

July 27, 2026

Originally from sunny Southern California, Maureen Steinberg chose to start a new chapter in her life. She relocated to the scenic city of Avignon, France, where she now works in real estate in the delightful town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Moving from the lively streets of Los Angeles to the historic center of Avignon took courage and …

Main Course · Poultry · Provencal Recipes · Stephanie Villegas · Taste

Spatchcocked Grilled Chicken with Yogurt & Herb Marinade

July 24, 2026

Spatchcocked grilled chicken is an effortless meal with the unmistakable hint of smoke that signals the season has shifted outdoors. The yogurt marinade, infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs, tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that balances beautifully with the meat’s richness. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or gathering friends …

Dessert · Provencal Recipes · Stephanie Villegas · Taste

Lemony Olive Oil Ricotta Cake: A Sweet Treat from Atelier Laurel

July 20, 2026

This recipe for a delicious lemony olive oil ricotta cake is one of my favourites. The creamy, full-fat ricotta and olive oil keep the cake light, tender, and moist, while the fresh lemon zest adds a gentle citrus aroma that complements its mild sweetness. This dessert is elegant but easy to make. Enjoy it on …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Photographers in Provence

What Makes Nora Jaccaud’s Provence Photography So Captivating? Exclusive Interview

July 17, 2026

It’s not every day you get to interview someone who has appeared on a TED Talk. Nora Jaccaud is a talented photographer who has travelled the globe, telling human stories through photography and video production. Based in the Luberon Valley in Provence, she works with a range of clients, from visitors seeking to “capture the …

Charming Farmhouse In The Alpilles With Private Tennis Court

Les Oliviers is a restored Provencal farmhouse near Eygalières in the Alpilles. This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home comfortably sleeps 6 to 8 people. Explore the Alpilles villages or enjoy the extensive property, private tennis court and pool.

Alpilles
Four 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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Rustrel: Luberon Village House Sleeps Six (6)

Au Coin des Amis is a village home with 3 luxurious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. and breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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Eygalières Hotel: Domaine La Pierre Blanche

The moment you drive through the front gate, you enter the embrace of this exclusive 15-room boutique hotel located minutes from Eygalières.

Alpilles
Boutique Hotels

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Malaucène: Charming B&B and Guest Cottage

Bed and Breakfast with 5 bedrooms and a private cottage is located just a few minutes from Vaison La Romaine.

Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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Provence Marketplace

Gorgeous Woven Basket Bag in 3 Colours

My French Country Home has sourced a practical woven Andale Basket Bag featuring leather shoulder straps. It is available in sky blue, mandarin, and yellow. This bag is the perfect size for running errands and includes an interior pocket for organization.

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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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Naturally Beautiful Beeswax Candle

Some things start at the beginning and one example is Origine a gorgeous 100% beeswax candle that is shaped like a behive. Produced in the Apis Cera atelier in Provence this candle burns for approximately 100 hours. Beautiful designed this handcrafted candle is made with 100% pure beeswax and has a cotton wick.

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Makeup Bags and Travel Kits in Provencal Designs

Available in several different patterns and 3 sizes these makeup bags are constructed with quilted fabrics and made to last. Made in Provence by an artisanal textile manufacturer. Choose a pattern that you like and buy the matching set.

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Sunny Provence in a Natural Scented Soap

All Rose et Marius soaps are palm oil free and made with 97% natural ingredients. They are formulated with poppy and olive oil from Provence. Scented with an exclusive concentration of orange blossom absolute from Tunisia and Turkish rose essence, this soap smells divine.

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Ceramic Baskets by Maison Pichon

Maison Pichon is known for its distinctive corbeilles tressées, intricately braided ceramic baskets made nowhere else. These delicate creations are meant to serve as fruit bowls but can also be dressed with dried flowers to make a centrepiece. Made by hand, each basket can take up to a month to complete.

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Kitchen Linen Collections – Aprons, Oven Mitts, and Pot Holders

Designed and manufactured in Provence, these quilted oven mitts and pot holders are heat-resistant with 2 layers of 100% cotton fabric and protective padding. Choose from a range of pretty Provencal patterns (lavender, olives, sunflowers, and contemporary designs) and round out the set with a matching apron.

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Linen Tablecloth with Country Flower Pattern

My French Country Home sourced a stunning linen tablecloth that is certain to dress-up your table for spring. The floral pattern is beautiful without being too showy. This rectangular tablecloth measures 170 x 250cm / 67 × 98″ and there are napkins too.

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Shallot Vinegar from Chateau d’Estoublon in Provence

Chosen by My French Country Home at the famous Château d'Estoublon in Provence’s Alpilles, this white vinegar is carefully mixed with fresh shallots. A key ingredient in classic French vinaigrette, shallot vinegar adds a touch of elegance to green salads. Drizzle gently over oysters or shellfish for a special touch. Try it now to bring real French style to your kitchen.

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Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Gayle Padgett

Planning a move to France? Discover The Connexion Guides for Expat Living

Buying a Home in France as a Foreigner: Step-by-Step Guide

Discover Why St-Rémy-de-Provence has a Traffic Light, Part-time

A Change of Pace in Provence: Moving from Los Angeles to Avignon

Spatchcocked Grilled Chicken with Yogurt & Herb Marinade

Lemony Olive Oil Ricotta Cake: A Sweet Treat from Atelier Laurel

What Makes Nora Jaccaud’s Provence Photography So Captivating? Exclusive Interview

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