Gayle Smith Padgett's Blog

Here in La Belle France, there are plenty of national holidays, but Thanksgiving isn’t one of them. It’s business as usual on the fourth Thursday in November, with folks working, kids studying, and stores following regular hours—including supermarkets, where you will not find heaps of humongous turkeys and elaborate stacks of canned pumpkin and cranberry … Continue reading Training for Turkey Day in Provence

Autumn and art, a perfect pairing. When the vines begin to turn rusty gold and deep crimson, marking the end of the summer crowds in our popular Provençal patch, it’s time to put away the parasol and seek some culture. This particular change of seasons was my cue to check out a couple of standout … Continue reading Artsy Autumn in Provence

Just a hop, skip, and a scoot down the autoroute to the southwest, France’s border with Spain comes into view. And just beyond, the Costa Brava, the wild coast. Ralph and I spent a week scoping out a slim sector of this dramatically scenic area in Catalonia, a semi-independent region in northeastern Spain, where Catalan … Continue reading An Escape to Enhanting Costa Brava

Mid-August in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is feria time. Over an extended weekend, the town salutes its equestrian and rural heritage with parades, special apèros, brass bands, and outdoor DJ-directed dance-o-thon evenings called bodégas. And, of course, there are loads of special events featuring horses and bulls that take place in arenas, as well as on the main … Continue reading Hail to Horses and “Taureau” Tradition in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

What’s the magic formula for a happy summer in Provence?  Keeping cool ranks as the top factor, without a doubt. Mais oui, it’s been toasty here, folks. Morning walks in the Alpilles must begin earlier, and so, too, strolls through the terrific Wednesday market. The come-rain-or-shine vendors put up their gargantuan umbrellas, lay out their … Continue reading Rosé in the Shade: Summer in the South of France

Skipping out of town to the coast just as summer’s heat was poised to pounce had us humming a happy tune…all the way to Gruissan. Where, you’re wondering, is this Gruissan? Perhaps the getaway destination is nestled in the upscale Côte d’Azur? Near glitzy Saint-Tropez? Maybe by swanky Monaco? Or fashionable Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat? Nope, not a … Continue reading Off the Grid in Gruissan

It would be beyond nice to meet you, dear readers, in Nice, on the French Riviera, two weeks from today. If you’ll be in the neighborhood of the terrific new English language bookshop, Librairie Masséna Around the World, on Saturday, 24 May, between 5 PM to 7 PM, please stop by. I’ll be there between … Continue reading Rendezvous on the French Riviera

Cue sunbeams, blue sky, and a balmy breeze. Add an April Sunday afternoon in brasserie-rich Saint-Rémy, and bingo, a robust café culture springs to life. Strolling by restaurant terrace after restaurant terrace, filled with families and friends of all ages, enjoying leisurely time together over a delicious meal, soothed my soul and put a smile … Continue reading Café Culture Springs to Life in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Hummingbirds and roadrunners are year-round residents in my desert oasis hometown, Palm Springs, California. These adaptable creatures are designed to cope with the scorching triple digit temperatures common in summer. Despite the heat, they follow their daily routines below the towering San Jacinto mountains, where thousands of palm fronds sway under azure skies. During winter … Continue reading A Winter Wander in Palm Springs, California

Known as the City of Art and Culture, Aix-en-Provence shines throughout the seasons. Even in winter when the temps drop and the sun plays hide and seek, this vibrant university city’s elegant architecture, bustling outdoor markets, charming cafes, and stellar art expos make it a delightful destination. Last month during my day-long wander around this … Continue reading A Winter Wander in Aix-en-Provence