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.

Where to Eat in Provence? Domaine la Pierre Blanche is a Food Lovers’ Paradise

June 18, 2025

As the sun gracefully dips behind the Alpilles, the landscape is bathed in a gentle golden glow that dances across the grapevines, offering a prelude to an enchanting evening in Provence. This region’s luminous light, which has long captured the imaginations of celebrated artists, serves as a backdrop to the ...

Keith Van Sickle · Restaurant Recommendations · Taste

Good Food and Cozy Dining in St-Rémy at Le Marilyn

June 16, 2025

My wife and I live part of the year in St-Rémy-de-Provence, and one of our favourite restaurants for cozy dining is Le Marilyn. We always receive a warm welcome, the food is consistently good, and the dining room is one of the most charming around. Owner Chantal Büchner has been ...

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Provencal Villages: Céreste Reasons to Visit and Stay Awhile

June 13, 2025

Céreste is an authentic, unspoilt, and charming Provençal village. It is immersed in lavender country, steeped in history, and sits on the foothills of the Grand Luberon. While the region has many fascinating villages, we asked the owner of Mas de Grivet, a beautiful holiday rental home, what makes Céreste ...

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Expat Living and Real Estate · Inspire · What's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

Maison Victoire – Get your Copy of their New Magazine

June 11, 2025

For those who believe print media is a thing of the past, Maison Victoire’s new glossy magazine is a revelation. Launched on June 5, this exclusive offering provides comprehensive real estate data for buyers and sellers in Provence. It’s not just about real estate; it’s a celebration of local vineyards, ...

Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Book Review: The Perfumer’s Secret by Neroli Lacey

June 9, 2025

In the first chapter of The Perfumer’s Secret, the protagonist, Alexandra ‘Zandy’ Watson, is in her boss’s office in New York City. As the reader, you quickly sketch a mental image of her character. Zandy is a hard-edged aspiring documentary filmmaker who dreams of making a film entitled ‘Your Climate, ...

Artists Inspired by Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Why Art Lovers Need to Visit Provence: Cézanne 2025 Celebration

June 6, 2025

The following article highlights some Cézanne 2025 celebration events in Aix-en-Provence. Additionally, refer to the “reading list” for books that offer more detailed information on the famous artist and his life in Provence. A native of Aix-en-Provence, Paul Cézanne (1839 – 1906) became one of the most globally recognized post-impressionist ...

Christine van der Linden · Explore · Hans Zeegers · Provencal Recipes · Villages Towns and Cities

Antibes: A Timeless Treasure on the Côte d’Azur

June 5, 2025

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea’s azure waters and Provence’s rolling hills lies Antibes, a gem of the French Riviera that enchants visitors with its irresistible blend of history, art, and culinary traditions. A Journey Through the Centuries As you wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, you ...

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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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Seaside Villefranche 1-Bedroom Apartment

Sur le Toit is a charming, remodelled 1-bedroom vacation rental in Old Town Villefranche-sur-Mer with gorgeous views.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

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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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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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Cotignac Farm House Holiday Rental for 6

The Old Farm House is a restored farm house in Coitgnac a delightful village in the heart of the Provence Verte in the Var. The home comfortably sleeps 6 people in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration.

Var
Three Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

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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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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Botantical Sensitive Skin Toner

Grown at Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, this toner includes distilled damask roses and lavender blended with a note of chamomile – a year-round favourite for hydrating and nourishing your face. Especially beneficial for mature and sensitive skin as it helps to heal and balance redness and irritation. (Shipping in Canada only).

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Gorgeous Citrus Pattern Table Linens from Provence

Discover the Cedrat linen pattern this new collection celebrates the "citrus limon" that grows on the French Riviera. The Provencal motif includes tablecloths (of different sizes), napkins, table runners and t-towels. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Perfume Diffuser Rose’s Sun Water

This stylish glass bottle contains a fragrance created in Grasse exclusively for Rose et Marius. The 7 sticks perfume your home with a floral bouquet of jasmine, rose, orange blossom and vanilla. "Just like a summer day in Provence."

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Photo: Lavender Fields in Provence

Whether or not you have seen the lavender fields in Valensole, this panorama will transport you to a magical place 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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Floral-scented Candle

Created for the Rose et Marius founder, this candle fragrance includes jasmine, roses, iris, orange blossom and vanilla bouquets. This candle - Rose's scented water - smells like sunshine in Provence. Buy these refillable candles as gifts or for your home.

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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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Travel Journal – Côte d’Azur

A beautiful journal for your adventures on the Côte d’Azur. This travel journal from My French Country Home features watercolour prints on the cover and throughout its 128 pages. Size: 14.5 x 20.5 cm, made with recycled paper.

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Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Gayle Padgett

Where to Eat in Provence? Domaine la Pierre Blanche is a Food Lovers’ Paradise

Good Food and Cozy Dining in St-Rémy at Le Marilyn

Provencal Villages: Céreste Reasons to Visit and Stay Awhile

Maison Victoire – Get your Copy of their New Magazine

Book Review: The Perfumer’s Secret by Neroli Lacey

Why Art Lovers Need to Visit Provence: Cézanne 2025 Celebration

Antibes: A Timeless Treasure on the Côte d’Azur

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