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Passion for Provence: A Memoir of Love, Laughter, and Life in the South of France
Falling for France wasn’t part of the Mediterranean honeymoon agenda. Pale rosé, languid lunches on a sun-dappled terrasse, and a dash of reckless abandon may have been to blame. Americans Gayle Smith Padgett and her husband, Ralph, leap into a long-distance love affair with La Belle France. Two decades and many beguiling assignations later, they finally launch a quest for a nest in Provence. Despite a lack of French skills and connections, the couple plunges full-time into French life. Through a series of faux pas and lucky encounters, they unlock intriguing mysteries, including France’s food-first policy and its dependence on Gallic shrugs. With self-deprecating humor and quirky candor, the author reveals insightful secrets in Passion for 22 Keys to La Belle Vie. This delightful memoir will inspire you to pack your bags for Provence—for a sweet sojourn or, just maybe, a longer stay.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2017
About the author
Gayle Smith Padgett
4 books11 followersGayle Smith Padgett is the author of Pleasures of Provence: A Quest for the Secret to Joie de Vivre in La Belle France, 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 is a UCLA graduate with two master’s degrees, neither in French. (The first is in Latin American studies and the second in English linguistics.) 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.
Since 2011, she and her husband have lived in Provence, where they continue to shape their belle vie.
She is a UCLA graduate with two master’s degrees, neither in French. (The first is in Latin American studies and the second in English linguistics.) 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.
Since 2011, she and her husband have lived in Provence, where they continue to shape their belle vie.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 11, 2020
A colourful celebration of the South of France.
This book is truly a celebration of the south of France, its land and seascapes, people, gastronomy, and traditions.
When American author Gayle met Ralph, it was love at first sight. When Ralph was offered a job in Heidelberg, Germany, they decided to marry. The move to Germany gave them easy access to France. They travelled around the country, taking in Paris, Provence and magnificent Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. Their lovely honeymoon and holiday experiences grew into an appreciation of La Belle Vie and everything it encompassed, but especially a deep love of Provence.
Two decades later, the couple having successfully applied to live in France, found themselves searching for the perfect French home to rent. Their starter apartment in Aix-en-Provence, although tiny, gave them the perfect opportunity to enjoy immersing themselves in the daily life of the area. They discovered the culture, beautiful landscapes, traditions and of course food, whilst exploring the quaint and picturesque villages. They house sat and made friends from all over the world. And they learned a lot about living full time in France including the necessity to deal with a lot of paperwork. But also the friendliness of the French people, and their tolerance of less than perfect French, as long as you are trying.
A couple of years later Gayle and Ralph moved to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. They explored the wonderful ports and picturesque islands like the Île de Porquerolles (AKA island of bicycles). And they learned, as every foreigner in France quickly realises, a misheard word can lead to a totally different outcome than was expected. Ralph a keen birdwatcher, loved discovering the wide diversity of beautiful bird life in the region. Their travels took them not only locally but further afield to places like Monte Carlo.
In this humorous and colourfully written story, the South of France is bought alive by the author’s vividly descriptive penmanship. She treats her readers to fly-on-the-wall glimpses into all parts of French life. From the sometimes alarming (until you get used to them) lack of inhibitions of the French, to their wonderful culture.
Her 22 Keys to La Belle Vie, can be found at the end of the chapters. These priceless little anecdotes will be cherished and remembered by visitors and would be residents of France. Having lived here in France for many years I can honestly say they are all true gems!
Written in an honest and open manner the tale is totally captivating. Whether you want to know what the South of France is really like because you want to holiday there, you are thinking of buying or renting, love a good story, or are a complete Francophile, this is the book for you. Highly recommended!
This book is truly a celebration of the south of France, its land and seascapes, people, gastronomy, and traditions.
When American author Gayle met Ralph, it was love at first sight. When Ralph was offered a job in Heidelberg, Germany, they decided to marry. The move to Germany gave them easy access to France. They travelled around the country, taking in Paris, Provence and magnificent Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. Their lovely honeymoon and holiday experiences grew into an appreciation of La Belle Vie and everything it encompassed, but especially a deep love of Provence.
Two decades later, the couple having successfully applied to live in France, found themselves searching for the perfect French home to rent. Their starter apartment in Aix-en-Provence, although tiny, gave them the perfect opportunity to enjoy immersing themselves in the daily life of the area. They discovered the culture, beautiful landscapes, traditions and of course food, whilst exploring the quaint and picturesque villages. They house sat and made friends from all over the world. And they learned a lot about living full time in France including the necessity to deal with a lot of paperwork. But also the friendliness of the French people, and their tolerance of less than perfect French, as long as you are trying.
A couple of years later Gayle and Ralph moved to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. They explored the wonderful ports and picturesque islands like the Île de Porquerolles (AKA island of bicycles). And they learned, as every foreigner in France quickly realises, a misheard word can lead to a totally different outcome than was expected. Ralph a keen birdwatcher, loved discovering the wide diversity of beautiful bird life in the region. Their travels took them not only locally but further afield to places like Monte Carlo.
In this humorous and colourfully written story, the South of France is bought alive by the author’s vividly descriptive penmanship. She treats her readers to fly-on-the-wall glimpses into all parts of French life. From the sometimes alarming (until you get used to them) lack of inhibitions of the French, to their wonderful culture.
Her 22 Keys to La Belle Vie, can be found at the end of the chapters. These priceless little anecdotes will be cherished and remembered by visitors and would be residents of France. Having lived here in France for many years I can honestly say they are all true gems!
Written in an honest and open manner the tale is totally captivating. Whether you want to know what the South of France is really like because you want to holiday there, you are thinking of buying or renting, love a good story, or are a complete Francophile, this is the book for you. Highly recommended!
February 20, 2019
A honeymoon in France and many years spent working in Germany sowed the seed of a retirement in Provence, and this book tells their story of how they made it happen. From the beginning I realized that the one thing Gayle and Ralph don’t seem to do is retire lazily into a sedentary Provencal life, although they are not averse to a lie-in or relaxing on their terrace and enjoying a view of the mountains. These two super-fit outdoorsy people regularly enjoy walking, hiking and playing tennis. I loved the energy they gave off and felt their hobbies truly enabled them to make most of all Provence has to offer. Expertly packing their days, there was still room for plenty of leisurely lunches, excursions further afield and a spot of bird watching too. They are an inspiration.
Their dedication to getting it right, from using pet-sitting assignments to establish their ideal location, to ensuring they ticked the correct boxes of French bureaucracy came across clearly. Gayle was not merely content to learn the language but obtained an official qualification in it too – chapeau ! As a soon to be ex-EU citizen, I hung on her every word when she described the antics (and costs) involved in renewing the annual residency permit and the nail-biting wait to see if the golden ticket of a ten-year card would be forthcoming.
Gayle’s humorous writing style often made me smile and made following their journey very enjoyable. This book has something a bit different to other memoirs as added to the end of each chapter is a little key to make settling into French life easier. These often made me laugh, or nod in agreement, and I always looked forward to discovering the next one.
If you love to read memoirs about life in France, take this one on your holiday this year, you won’t be disappointed.
Their dedication to getting it right, from using pet-sitting assignments to establish their ideal location, to ensuring they ticked the correct boxes of French bureaucracy came across clearly. Gayle was not merely content to learn the language but obtained an official qualification in it too – chapeau ! As a soon to be ex-EU citizen, I hung on her every word when she described the antics (and costs) involved in renewing the annual residency permit and the nail-biting wait to see if the golden ticket of a ten-year card would be forthcoming.
Gayle’s humorous writing style often made me smile and made following their journey very enjoyable. This book has something a bit different to other memoirs as added to the end of each chapter is a little key to make settling into French life easier. These often made me laugh, or nod in agreement, and I always looked forward to discovering the next one.
If you love to read memoirs about life in France, take this one on your holiday this year, you won’t be disappointed.
August 2, 2025
moving to France
A very different story than the usual move to France. This time Americans who first worked in Germany and vacationed in France and of course fell in love with it. Also different in that they didn’t buy a place but rented so we didn’t go thru the hassle of buying and renovating and having to live on a small amount of funds as it was being spent on repairs. I am very impressed with Gayle learning French!! Probably the only reason I couldn’t move there—I am sure I could never learn the language and be able to stay for 10 yrs and get a work permit—congratulations!!.
A very different story than the usual move to France. This time Americans who first worked in Germany and vacationed in France and of course fell in love with it. Also different in that they didn’t buy a place but rented so we didn’t go thru the hassle of buying and renovating and having to live on a small amount of funds as it was being spent on repairs. I am very impressed with Gayle learning French!! Probably the only reason I couldn’t move there—I am sure I could never learn the language and be able to stay for 10 yrs and get a work permit—congratulations!!.
April 26, 2018
Gayle Smith Padgett and her husband Ralph follow their dream and move to Provence. After the inevitable stumbles, they settle down in the charming town of St-Rémy-de-Provence, a place I call home part of the year. Author Padgett does an excellent job of capturing the sights and sounds of this lovely town and even more importantly the “feel” of the place. And I loved her descriptions of dealing with the French bureaucracy and their addiction to paperwork! Bravo to Gayle and Ralph for building a new life in this wonderful country.
November 19, 2025
A Charming Glimpse into Life in Provence
Gayle Smith Padgett’s memoir, Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie, offers a pleasant and engaging look at what it’s like to fall in love with France—and eventually make it home. Through gentle humor and vivid descriptions, she shares the joys and challenges of navigating a new culture, from language barriers to French quirks and customs. While the pace is relaxed rather than dramatic, the book provides a lovely sense of place and plenty of inspiration for anyone dreaming of starting a new life abroad. A warm, enjoyable read for Francophiles.
Gayle Smith Padgett’s memoir, Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie, offers a pleasant and engaging look at what it’s like to fall in love with France—and eventually make it home. Through gentle humor and vivid descriptions, she shares the joys and challenges of navigating a new culture, from language barriers to French quirks and customs. While the pace is relaxed rather than dramatic, the book provides a lovely sense of place and plenty of inspiration for anyone dreaming of starting a new life abroad. A warm, enjoyable read for Francophiles.
May 2, 2020
After having worked abroad and vacationing in Europe, this American couple decided to find a home in Provence to live during their retirement. Now, this isn't one's idle retirement. This couple are very active, and Gayle provided an entertaining read about their experiences and the French love of paper work and their bureaucracy. I really enjoyed reading about their adventures and the people they've met and the food they enjoyed eating.
December 6, 2018
Take this delightful journey with Gayle and Ralph while they find their lovely home in Provence.
It is very inspiring to anyone thinking of a move to a foreign country. Or if you just want to enjoy a tale of an amazingly brave couple who did it and wrote about it. Enjoy this clever book.
It is very inspiring to anyone thinking of a move to a foreign country. Or if you just want to enjoy a tale of an amazingly brave couple who did it and wrote about it. Enjoy this clever book.
August 28, 2018
Success!
Uplifting story of a couple successful move to France and into an Expat and French community! They are an example of what everyone who makes this move wants and few achieve! Full of cultural insights and delightful stories!
Uplifting story of a couple successful move to France and into an Expat and French community! They are an example of what everyone who makes this move wants and few achieve! Full of cultural insights and delightful stories!
October 22, 2020
Uplifting
This is a delightful book about nice people living in, perhaps paradise! Well written, absolutely 5 stars! The sun is out, you can smell the lavender and practically taste the food. Oh so happy that I read this uplifting book 😊
This is a delightful book about nice people living in, perhaps paradise! Well written, absolutely 5 stars! The sun is out, you can smell the lavender and practically taste the food. Oh so happy that I read this uplifting book 😊
April 17, 2018
Last Belle France
A very enjoyable and informative read .... We too like to be in the French countryside. ... A long walk from Tasmania tho
A very enjoyable and informative read .... We too like to be in the French countryside. ... A long walk from Tasmania tho
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews