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.

At Home in Provence with Recipes and Stories a Book by Jeany Cronk

August 1, 2025

When I met Jeany Cronk 11 years ago, she had embraced the lifestyle described in her book, At Home in Provence. The title reflects her journey of settling into life in Cotignac, a rural village in the Var, with a young family. Transitioning to this new lifestyle was not without challenges for Jeany and Stephen …

Explore · Our House in Provence · Villages Towns and Cities

Roussillon, a Village Not to Miss in Provence

July 30, 2025

We usually suggest that visitors include a trip to the vibrant, red-ocher-colored town of Roussillon. It is one of five villages nestled in the Luberon hills and classified as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (the Most beautiful villages of France). Roussillon is one of our favourite villages in Provence, just one hour …

David Scott Allen · Fish & Seafood · Main Course · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Simple Seafood Dish Shrimp in a Sweet Paprika Sauce

July 28, 2025

During our trip to Paris, I created this easy seafood dish after a trip to the Les Halles market. I used three vendors: Poissonnerie Chez Miguel for the excellent shrimp — their array of seafood was so fresh and beautiful (with thanks for allowing me to use the photo above of the shrimp); I bought …

Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Book Review: That Dark Spring by Susannah Stapleton

July 25, 2025

In the opening paragraph of That Dark Spring, Susannah Stapleton captivates readers with the mysterious death of Olive Branson. This eccentric British artist lived in Les Baux-de-Provence during the 1920s. Although the book is nonfiction, the truth remains elusive nearly a century later. Was Olive Branson murdered, or did she take her own life on …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Provencal Recipes · Soup · Taste

Summer Soup Gazpacho with Goat Cheese Recipe from Moulin Castelas

July 22, 2025

If you’d like to taste some of the best olive oil in Provence, look no further than the Moulin Castelas, situated just below the famous fortress of Les Baux-de-Provence. The olive mill and adjacent property are in the Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) Vallée des Baux de Provence in the Alpilles. This recipe for a perfect …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

5 Reasons to Join a Goût et Voyage 2026 Tour in Beautiful Provence

July 18, 2025

Book a small group tour with Goût et Voyage for an adventure that satisfies your wanderlust and enriches your soul with cultural and culinary insights in Provence and beyond. Founder Martine Bertin-Peterson wants you to discover the Goût et Voyage destinations (Provence, Normandy, Umbria and Morocco), where each adventure is crafted to offer you a …

Artists Inspired by Provence · Barefoot Blogger · Inspire · Villages Towns and Cities

Inspiring Van Gogh to LUMA, Arles is a Must-Visit for Art Lovers in Provence

July 16, 2025

If you love Van Gogh, Gauguin, or art history, Arles should be on your travel list. Arles inspired Van Gogh, who created over 300 works here, convinced Paul Gauguin to join him in an ill-fated artistic collaboration and where some of the most famous scenes in art and history still exist today. Arles a Must-Visit …

Sablet Village House Holiday Rental

A beautiful stone house in the middle of Sablet, within walking distance of boulangerie and more. This wine village is known for its Côte du Rhone wines.

Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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Les Vallons Holiday Home - Sleeps 12

If you are looking for a perfect holiday rental property, with a heated pool, Les Vallons sleeps 12 people in a fully restored hamlet.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Six Bedrooms

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Rental Home in Crillon-le-Brave for 6 People

Designed for indoor-outdoor living, Villa Armajeva has three spacious bedrooms and all the modern comforts for a family vacation. Enjoy the views from any one of the terraces. The Crillon-le-Brave village centre is steps from this lovely home.

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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Apt: One Bedroom Rental Apartments

The apartments have lounge and dining areas with fully equipped modern kitchens. The bedrooms are bright and airy with modern bathrooms.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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Provence Marketplace

Table and Home Decor Collection in Jacquard Fabric

Fresh and bright, a lovely magnolia pattern adorns the jacquard weave fabric, a sturdy blend of cotton and polyester for durability. The collection includes a table cloth, table runner, placemats, and cushion covers.

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Candles Fig Perfume from Provence

Rose et Marius combines citrus notes of fig leaves with Indian absolute for a summer in Provence into fragrance in this scented candle. Infused with exclusive perfumes, buy these refillable candles that burn for about 60 hours, making great gifts or additions to your home.

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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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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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Natural Soap from Provence with Fig Fragrance

Rose et Marius soaps are made with 97% natural ingredients (palm oil-free) and exclusive fragrances. Formulated with poppy and olive oil from Provence, this soap has a perfume that will remind you of a fig tree in summer.

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Lavender Field Room Mist

Okanagan Lavender Field Room Mist is naturally scented with pure lavender essential oil and hydrosol, no synthetics or artificial fragrance. Spray in a room or directly on your bed linens, then lay back, close your eyes and breathe in the calming aroma of a beautiful field of lavender. (Shipping in Canada only).

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Small Cotton Pouch

Perfect for makeup, organizing your purse or storing precious items. This sleek 100% cotton pouch from L'AUGUSTE Provence is convenient for carrying your essentials. Fits easily into one of our matching cotton tote bags or can be used on its own.

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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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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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Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Gayle Padgett

At Home in Provence with Recipes and Stories a Book by Jeany Cronk

Roussillon, a Village Not to Miss in Provence

Simple Seafood Dish Shrimp in a Sweet Paprika Sauce

Book Review: That Dark Spring by Susannah Stapleton

Summer Soup Gazpacho with Goat Cheese Recipe from Moulin Castelas

5 Reasons to Join a Goût et Voyage 2026 Tour in Beautiful Provence

Inspiring Van Gogh to LUMA, Arles is a Must-Visit for Art Lovers in Provence

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