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.

Book to Read: Road Trip to the Riviera by Gillian Harvey

October 2, 2026

Road Trip to the Riviera kicks off not with fireworks but with a fractured leg. Sarah, stuck in a boot, has no choice but to journey to the South of France with her ex-boyfriend Hal, who is also the father of their son. Gillian Harvey whisks them away on a quirky countryside-to-coast adventure in a …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

Touring Provence: We Interviewed Gout et Voyage Founder about Taste of Provence

September 28, 2026

Each year, Martine Bertin-Peterson adjusts her Goût et Voyage Taste of Provence tours slightly to ensure that clients enjoy Provence in the right doses. With Goût et Voyage, the itinerary balances sightseeing and relaxation. We had the pleasure of interviewing Martine about what makes touring Provence with Goût et Voyage a unique experience. At Perfectly …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · French Cooking Classes · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Fall Menu Cooking Class at Atelier Laurel and Delicious Lunch in Provence

September 25, 2026

Stephanie Villegas greeted us with a bright smile that matched the incredible fall weather that we were all enjoying in Provence. She had set the table for lunch, but there was some chopping, stirring, slicing, and dicing work to do before we could eat. Outfitted in her signature olive green Atelier Laurel aprons, six of …

Guest Post · Inspire · Shopping & Gifts

Shop Like Royalty in Provence: Historic Houses with Royal Heritage

September 21, 2026

Provence’s connection to products once destined for France’s royalty and noble families dates back several centuries. In Grasse, the French perfume capital in the Alpes-Maritimes, many prestigious houses, including Dior and Fragonard, grow flowers and produce fragrances. This tradition of French artisan craftsmanship continues today with candles, crystal, and mustard. In her article below, Nicole …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Provencal Recipes · Seasonal Menus · Taste

Looking for Menu Inspiration this Fall? idreamprovence Created A Delicious Provencal Menu

September 18, 2026

If you are looking for menu inspiration this fall, idreamprovence has the answer. Our 2026 fall menu brings a collection of Provençal dishes to your dinner table. The founders of idreamprovence, a boutique tour company in southern France, chose a menu suited to the autumn season in Provence. Abi Treanor and her husband, Pierre Giammalva, …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Visiting Nice, France? 10 Things to Do While You Are There

September 14, 2026

Nice’s setting is nothing short of spectacular. This city, with the Mediterranean lapping at its edge and the Southern Alps as a backdrop, is France’s 5th largest metropolis. Whether you are a beach fan, an art lover, or a market enthusiast, Nice has something for everyone. Did we mention the local cuisine and wine scene? …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Holiday Itinerary

Olives in Provence and More Fall Treasures To Discover in a Weekend

September 11, 2026

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ― Albert Camus Fall Weekend in Provence Late fall lacks the relaxed feel of those long mid-July days, the stress of back-to-school (la rentrée) in September, and the anticipation of the December holidays. However, it’s a great time to gather some friends together for …

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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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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3 Luberon Holiday Rental Cottages

Looking for a tranquil, self-catered vacation home for two? Book your stay at one of the 3 cottages - maisonettes - at Maison Valvert.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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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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Lourmarin Self-Catered Rental Apartments

Les Olivettes, once a Provencal farmhouse in the Luberon, has 4 spacious rental apartments only a 4-minute walk from the centre of Lourmarin.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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Provence Marketplace

Cotton Tablecloth Poppy Design

With an attractive poppy and lavender pattern, this round 71 inches tablecloth is 100% cotton, and a has light acrylic coating. Selected for its pretty design and easy maintenance. Available in white, blue and yellow backgrounds.

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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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Round Tablecloth with a Lavender Motif

Bring elegance and a Provencal summer to your home with the Provence round tablecloth from the Lavandines collection, available in classic cotton and stain-resistant options, featuring an elegant frieze and delicate floral stems. With its 180 cm diameter, this tablecloth transforms your table.

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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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French Linen Napkins Fresh Herb Design 100% Linen

My French Country Home brings the beauty and fragrance of a French herb garden to your home with this Fine Herbs Linen napkins. Designed with an elegant display of the most beloved culinary herbs, these napkins add a fresh, botanical charm to any dining setting. Sold as a set of six (6) designs and made with 100% high-quality linen.

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Lavender Sachet from Provence

L'AUGUSTE Provence organic lavender sachets are decorative objects with additional wellness benefits and the delicate scent is soothing.

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Tea Towels in Fresh Provencal Designs

These tea towels are beautiful and sturdy. Made of 100% cotton jacquard woven in pretty Provencal patterns. Easy to maintain, these cotton tea towels from Remember Provence are essential kitchen accessories. Sold in packs of 3.

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Great Tote Bag in Cotton String

Bring on warm weather with these Cotton String Bags in three colours (white, tan, and black). Take this tote from My French Country Home box to the market, beach or an evening out. Buy one in each colour, as they are the perfect accessory for Spring and Summer seasons.

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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 Fall Menu Collection

Gayle Padgett

Book to Read: Road Trip to the Riviera by Gillian Harvey

Touring Provence: We Interviewed Gout et Voyage Founder about Taste of Provence

Fall Menu Cooking Class at Atelier Laurel and Delicious Lunch in Provence

Shop Like Royalty in Provence: Historic Houses with Royal Heritage

Looking for Menu Inspiration this Fall? idreamprovence Created A Delicious Provencal Menu

Visiting Nice, France? 10 Things to Do While You Are There

Olives in Provence and More Fall Treasures To Discover in a Weekend

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