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.

Want a Unique Gourmet Experience in Provence? Book with Luberon Authentic Tours

July 7, 2025

When you book a gourmet picnic or all-day tour with Luberon Authentic Tours, you will see places that only locals know about! Are you passionate about nature? Guylaine and Franck invite you to discover the Luberon off the beaten track, aboard the legendary Defender (vintage Land Rover). You will experience breathtaking views from peaks accessible …

Artists Inspired by Provence · Guest Post · Inspire

Discover What Makes Les Ateliers Ouverts Forcalquier’s Most Wonderful Art Festival

July 4, 2025

The annual festival Les Ateliers Ouverts has become a must-attend event for both tourists and residents of Forcalquier and the surrounding area. The twelfth edition will take place from July 25 to 29, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Each year, nearly a thousand visitors attend this event …

Christine van der Linden · Hans Zeegers · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Why Pétanque the Game is the Soul of Life in Southern France

July 3, 2025

Beneath the dappled shade of plane trees across Provence, a timeless tradition unfolds daily as silver balls arc through the air with precision and purpose. Pétanque, France’s beloved boules game, represents far more than mere recreation—it embodies the essence of southern French culture and community. Pétanque: A Cultural Cornerstone In the sun-drenched villages and towns …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

Book Now! Food, Fun and Adventure in Provence this September

July 1, 2025

Are you looking for an exclusive getaway that perfectly combines luxury, tranquillity, and the charm of the French countryside? Join Pitcher & Powell for an unforgettable week-long retreat at a stunning 12th-century chateau located in the beautiful foothills of Provence’s Luberon Valley, just a 15-minute drive north of Aix-en-Provence. Let’s explore the details of this …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · French Decor & Gardens · Inspire · Provencal Recipes

Experience Pure Lavender Magic: Terre Ugo Near Aix-en-Provence

June 30, 2025

Terre Ugo is delighted to announce its 2025 summer program, set amidst picturesque lavender and sunflower fields. This enchanting 7-hectare family farm, situated on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence in Puyricard, is teeming with 30,000 organic Lavender plants. From June 1 to August 31, the estate welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. Guests …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · French Decor & Gardens · Inspire · Shopping & Gifts

Timeless and Elegant French Linens for Simple Décor

June 27, 2025

French linens are globally recognized for their exceptional quality, timeless beauty, and rich heritage. These textiles are steeped in history and are central to French culture and home décor. French linens originated during medieval times and quickly became a staple in households due to their durability. Over the centuries, they symbolize the blend of practicality …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Explore Provence’s Essence: 6 Stunning Villages Worth Visiting

June 25, 2025

When someone asks what villages in Provence are worth visiting. It is hard to answer as there are perched Medieval hamlets, famous wine villages, attractive seaside ports, and vibrant urban centres. This list highlights six (6) stunning villages showcasing the region’s rich history and vibrant lifestyle. Luberon Villages Provence is known for its picturesque villages …

Luberon B&B Absoluut Valvert

Exclusive and charming, this 5 room B&B is surrounded by nature yet is only a stone's throw from historical Bonnieux.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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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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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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Holiday Apartment 3-Bedrooms in an Olive Grove

A delightful 3-bedroom holiday apartment at Domaine des Escavalins is an organic olive farm. Well-appointed and private, the gite has room for six (6) people.

Var
Three 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

VIEW THIS LISTING

Provence Marketplace

Beeswax Candles in a Traditional Pillar Shape

Handcrafted in Apis Cera's workshop in Provence, Ambroise is a 100% pure beeswax candle pillar produced in a custom mold. A cylindar-shaped candle gets it's name from Saint Ambrose (c. 340 – 397), the archbishop of Milan, who was the protector of beekeepers. Sold in a set of two (2) candles they burn for approximately 36 hours.

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Heart-Shaped Plates in Olive Wood

Add some flair to your next dinner party with these heart-shaped plates made with French olive wood. Sold individually, these plates are easy to maintain; wash them in soap and water and dry them immediately. Not suitable for dishwashers. They are sold by My French Country Home Box.

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Fig-scented Home Fragrance Diffuser

A beautiful glass diffuser perfumes your home with the heady Provencal scent of ripe figs in the summertime - like a siesta in the sun. This fragrance is created exclusively for Rose et Marius in France's perfume capital Grasse.

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Glass Storage Jars with Lavender Design

These hand-painted glass jars are designed in Paris with a red lavender motif. The canisters are suitable for dry goods or even as a flower vase. The jar capacity is 0.4 gallons (1.5 litres), made with transparent, sturdy glass and a wooden lid.

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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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French Linen Table Runner

A linen table runner that is the perfect combination of rustic and refined. The embroidered stitching enhances the neutral-coloured linen. Add this French Address runner to your collection.

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Spring Menu Collection

Spring recipes from Provence is organized by course, from starters to desserts. We have featured menus crafted by our favourite food enthusiasts who have shared our love for Provence for several years. This spring recipe collection brings many of those delicious dishes together in one place. These menus, spanning multiple courses, are a testament to their connection with the region and the use of seasonal ingredients.

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Table Runner Floral Design

Art de la Table is an art form. So instead of a tablecloth, use a pretty table runner in a bright blue floral design as your centrepiece. Available in 2 colours and 2 sizes, the traditional cotton print runner is quilted.

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Linen Kitchen T-Towels

A great hostess gift! Kitchen Towels made with high-quality linen. Perfect for spring in Iris and Tulip motifs. My French Country Life sourced these beautiful towels made from 100% linen. Sold as a set.

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Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Gayle Padgett

Want a Unique Gourmet Experience in Provence? Book with Luberon Authentic Tours

Discover What Makes Les Ateliers Ouverts Forcalquier’s Most Wonderful Art Festival

Why Pétanque the Game is the Soul of Life in Southern France

Book Now! Food, Fun and Adventure in Provence this September

Experience Pure Lavender Magic: Terre Ugo Near Aix-en-Provence

Timeless and Elegant French Linens for Simple Décor

Explore Provence’s Essence: 6 Stunning Villages Worth Visiting

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