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.

Enjoy St-Rémy-de-Provence with Keith Van Sickle’s Insider Tips

April 13, 2026

Each year, Keith Van Sickle and his wife, Val, immerse themselves in Provence for several months, embracing the local language and culture. They focus on learning French to deepen their appreciation and strengthen connections with locals, while exploring the region’s culture, history, gastronomy, and traditions. Keith has authored several books, including the latest edition of …

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

Interested in Buying a Home in France? Here is An Explainer Guide for Foreigners

April 10, 2026

Are you wondering how to buy a home in France as a foreigner? Buying your own home in France, specifically in Provence, might be a long-awaited dream finally coming to life. You can already see yourself living that Provencal dream. However, real estate transactions in France are complex and include multiple steps. This article explains …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

Private Provence Tours? Book idreamprovence Custom Travel Experiences

April 8, 2026

“I love meeting new people from all around the world and sharing the beauty of Provence.” Abi Treanor’s passion for Provence is just one reason to embark on a journey with idreamprovence. In 2015, Abi and her husband, Pierre Giammalva, founded their boutique tour company in southern France. Their mission is to reveal the magic …

Artists Inspired by Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Heavenly Silk Exhibition Breathes New Life into Historic Setting at Eygalières

April 6, 2026

In the heart of Eygalières in the Alpilles, the storied 12th-century church becomes a stage for Joanna Staniszkis’ mesmerizing exhibition, “Soie Tombee du Ciel/Heavenly Silk.” Here, the legacy of Provence’s silk artisans and the bravery of Jean Moulin are celebrated in a tapestry of art and history. Inspired by Heavenly Silk With a deep reverence …

Deborah Pham van Xua · Inspire · Learning French

Practice Your French at the Market in Aix-en-Provence

April 3, 2026

In Aix-en-Provence, le marché (the open-air market, pronounced luh mar-shay) is not a special event or a weekend activity. It is part of everyday life. Locals come to do les courses (their grocery shopping, pronounced lay koors), stop at familiar stalls, exchange a few words with vendors, comment on the weather, and continue with their …

Explore · Kathryn MacDonell · Stay Fit

Nietzsche’s Footpath in Èze – For A Contemplative Walk on the French Riviera

March 30, 2026

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche’s words offer good advice: “Remain seated as little as possible, put no trust in any thought that is not born in the open, to the accompaniment of free bodily motion.” Riviera Day Trip In mid-September 2025, my husband and I took a day trip to the historic village of Èze. It is …

Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

New Memoir, ‘A Year in French Life’ by Espinasse Co-authors – Our Book Review

March 27, 2026

Kristin Espinasse, beloved for her evocative portraits of French living, invites readers back into her world with A Year in French Life, Volume 2. Kristin’s writing sparkles with sincerity, drawing us into the gentle rhythms and quiet surprises of everyday life in France. This year, her daughter Jacqueline joined the adventure, contributing her own voice …

1-Bedroom Apartment in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Le Beau Balcon is a sunny apartment on Rue Volti in the heart of the old town, the building is a short walk to shops and restaurants.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
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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Bonnieux - 3 Bedroom Village Apartment

Bonheur en Bonnieux a 1300-square foot, 3-bedroom/2 bathroom, the newly-renovated apartment is located in the village center.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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L'Oréliane en Provence a Charming B&B

Located in the Vaucluse, this comfortable five (5) room B&B in Châteauneuf de Gadagne is a great location for exploring the famous nearby villages and vineyards of the Southern Rhône Valley.

Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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5-Bedroom Country House Near Apt

Chez Manon is a private countryside location that is large enough for family gatherings and a relaxing place to unwind and explore Provence.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Five Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

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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Cotton Tote Bag “Poésie”

A lightweight tote bag with a beautiful watercolour design printed on the front. Each L'AUGUSTE Provence tote bag is unique and entirely handmade.

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Rectangular Tablecloth with Provencal Motif

Southern France's nature unites with olive branches and lavender set on a yellow background from Remember Provence. A rectangular pattern this tablecloth is 100% cotton, and a has a light acrylic coating for easy cleaning. Also available in white.

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Photo: Provencal Windmill at Sunset

This panorama of Daudet's Windmill at sunset in the Alpilles will have you dreaming of the painter's light in Provence. Photo by François de Melogue, a talented chef and photographer. Available in a choice of sizes and different paper stock.

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Glass Pitcher for your Table

Fill this pitcher with water, lemonade or your favourite cocktail, and it will brighten your table. Made in France by a long-standing glass manufacturer, the bee pattern is a nod to Emperor Napoleon.

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Scented Mini Candle Box Sets

Rose et Marius offers box sets with three (3) mini candles. These candle collections include signature fragrances such as "siesta in a sunlit home" and "early morning in the orange grove." These mini candles burn for approximately 25 hours in pretty glass containers.

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Fall Recipes and Menu Collection

Featuring 25 recipes from the South of France for cooler fall 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 autumn.

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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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Shower Gel Figs in Summer Fragrance

Made with olive oil from Provence and exclusive fragrances from the perfume capital of France, Grasse. These Rose et Marius liquid soaps are paraben-free and refillable. Try this soap the next time your shower with a scent that will remind you of a fig tree in summer. Found in beautiful 5* hotels and top-quality restaurants.

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Download Our Spring Menu Collection

Gayle Padgett

Enjoy St-Rémy-de-Provence with Keith Van Sickle’s Insider Tips

Interested in Buying a Home in France? Here is An Explainer Guide for Foreigners

Private Provence Tours? Book idreamprovence Custom Travel Experiences

Heavenly Silk Exhibition Breathes New Life into Historic Setting at Eygalières

Practice Your French at the Market in Aix-en-Provence

Nietzsche’s Footpath in Èze – For A Contemplative Walk on the French Riviera

New Memoir, ‘A Year in French Life’ by Espinasse Co-authors – Our Book Review

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