The Pleasures of Provence by Gayle Smith Padgett – Our Book Review

Driven by a longing to uncover the secret to a truly wonderful life, Gayle Smith Padgett invites us into her third book, Pleasures of Provence: A Quest for the Secret to Joie de Vivre in La Belle France. Through vivid storytelling, she shares her adventures across Provence and beyond with her husband, Ralph. More than just a personal memoir, Pleasures of Provence gently reminds us that life sparkles with unexpected choices, serendipitous meetings, and the art of savouring each moment. We asked Gayle a few questions about her latest book—discover her insights and our review below.

The Author

Gayle Smith Padgett is the author of Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie and The Birdwatcher’s Wife: A Quest across France for Birds and La Belle Vie. She has a BA and a master’s degree (Latin American Studies) from UCLA, and a second master’s degree (English linguistics) from George Mason University in Virginia. After studying in Mexico and South America, she worked as a language specialist in California and Virginia. Later, she served as a management analyst and US government liaison in Heidelberg, Germany. After retiring in 2011, Gayle and her husband Ralph moved to Provence and settled in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence the following year. From this town in the Alpilles, they embark on adventures both near and far, enriching their belle vie.

Photo credit ©Ashley Tinker @CuriousProvence

Book Review: Pleasures of Provence

This memoir radiates Gayle’s deep affection for France and her life with Ralph. Even newcomers to her work will feel the couple’s devotion to the South of France—and sense the gravity when that happiness is threatened. After a sudden police stop unsettles their peace, Gayle sets out to rediscover what truly makes life sweet.

A dream life filled with adventure, rosé, and sunshine in the South of France is paradise found until a brush with the law threatens it all.

Proving that adventure often lies just beyond your doorstep, Gayle and Ralph frequently wander on foot, tackling walks and short hikes like “the loop,” a delightful blend of town and countryside. Their home in Saint-Rémy, nestled in the Alpilles, is an explorer’s dream—especially for Ralph, a passionate birder. Gayle herself confesses to catching the birdwatching bug.

Though Pleasures of Provence is not a traditional travel guide, it will inspire any would-be explorer to jot down destinations and dream of French feasts. Gayle and Ralph’s journeys take them from the windswept coasts of Brittany to the lights of Paris, the peaks of the Alps, the valleys of the Dordogne, and the wilds of Corsica, always in search of birds, new friends, and fresh experiences. Closer to home, they roam Les Baux-de-Provence, the Camargue, Nîmes, and the Luberon. Whether savouring wine and gourmet delights or peering through binoculars, they have truly embraced la belle vie. The secret to their joie de vivre? You’ll have to read the book to discover their “pleasure principles.”

Questions for the Author

1. What inspired you to write “Pleasures of Provence” and explore “joie de vivre” in that context?
A third book about life in Provence had been on my mind for a while–completing a trilogy had a nice ring to it, for one thing. But it was the jolting “incident” I recounted in Chapter 1 that inspired me to move forward with the book. The more I thought about the implications of that evening’s encounter, the more I was compelled to understand our French belle vie. The soul-searching led to a focus on moments of joie de vivre, and the story evolved from there.

2. What cultural differences or traditions in Provence contribute to joie de vivre?
The excellent cuisine, gorgeous scenery, and warm, sunny climate are major factors, of course. But overall, it’s the slower pace of life that probably plays the lead role. In such a fast-paced world, slowing down can be quite a challenge, but Provence’s gentle rhythm of life makes it much easier.

3. How did this book’s writing and experiences influence your view of happiness and fulfillment?
It’s definitely impacted the way I want to spend my time. As gratifying and fulfilling as completing the book may be, the process of writing it is demanding, so the opportunity costs are formidable—lots of screentime! If I’m sitting in front of a laptop, I’m not hiking, biking, or sipping rosé on a sunny terrasse. Balancing priorities comes with its fair share of challenges but also rewards—makes for an interesting belle vie.

4. Did you experience any personal transformations while exploring Provence and writing about it?
I couldn’t possibly comment—don’t want to have to issue a spoiler alert! The trio of pleasure principles—and especially the French twist—that I describe in the last chapter require a lot of practice. I aim to polish my technique, which may take a while. And that process, however lengthy, will be a pleasure.

5. What’s next? Is there a fourth book in your future?
First, Ralph and I are anxious to resume more far-flung adventures, so we’ll see where that takes us. As an aside, I’d really love to explore turning my first three books into audiobooks narrated by a human voice. I have no idea how that’s done, so that’s enticing. Or maybe a screenplay—if Monsieur Clooney should call to ask me to collaborate on one. Would be pretty cool, wouldn’t it?

Photo credit ©Ashley Tinker @CuriousProvence

Final Words

Pleasures of Provence rises above the typical travel memoir, delivering a witty and heartfelt portrait of Provence. Overflowing with la belle vie, it enchants anyone who loves France, fine food, and the pursuit of joy.

Buy Your Copy Here!

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).