Meet the Author: Gayle Smith Padgett
Moving to France was an unlikely choice for an American who majored in Spanish and Latin American Studies, spent her junior year abroad in Mexico City, completed post-graduate studies in Bogotá, Colombia (courtesy of the International Rotary Foundation), and worked in Germany for half her career. Yet, it happened.
Gayle, a Washington State native, who grew up in Palm Springs, California, has two master’s degrees—sadly, neither in French. The first is in Latin American Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the second is in English Linguistics from George Mason University in Virginia. She directed an English as a Second Language program in the Washington, D.C. area, where she met her husband, Ralph, before careers took them to Europe. In Germany, she worked as a language specialist, educational liaison, and management analyst for the federal government.
From their base in Heidelberg–about an hour from the French border–Gayle and Ralph traveled throughout Europe, taking full advantage of their vacation days. Their first major trip was to the south of France for their delayed honeymoon in the early ‘90s. Deciding on a region for their celebratory trip might have been challenging with so many delightful destinations nearby. But, in fact, choosing the south of France was easy. Ralph, an avid birdwatcher, was anxious to visit the Camargue, the vast delta where the Rhône River empties into the Mediterranean Sea, a haven for birdlife. Gayle loved the idea of a week in Provence, too. She couldn’t wait to roam the villages perchés, meander through the outdoor markets, soak up the landscapes of the Impressionists, and enjoy Provence’s luscious cuisine and le bon vin.
Marché Nocturne, Cotignac’s Summer Night Market
Flâner, or amble carelessly – especially on a summer evening – has to be a south of France speciality. And what a better place to do it than in Cotignac. From now until August 27th, one of the “plus beaux villages” most beautiful villages in France, is hosting a night market on Wednesdays from 6pm to 11:30pm. It’s not only a great way to pick up a few local treasures, but the people-watching is on point, as are the drinks at O’ Fadoli pastis bar. The evening our family went, we were lucky enough to catch a free outdoor concert at La Tuf brewery – with a few Elvis Presley hits no less.
The Writing Pulse of Provence, by Darina Nykl
France feels like coming home to me. When I step off the train or plane, I feel it immediately. Often, just hearing the language triggers something within me. I find myself instantly inspired. By the sound of the language, but also by the smells, the place I’m in or traveling to, the people, the authentic villages, the vistas, the sea… It doesn’t take long before I’m fishing my notebook out of my bag to jot down my impressions. Writing and France are inextricably linked. I love visiting Paris and the south of France, places that fuel my creativity, inspire me, and how they always bring me back to what I love most: writing.
It’s not just the beautiful landscape that inspires me, but also the French lifestyle, the joie de vivre, a way of life palpable in even the smallest detail. A sunrise or sunset, a fresh baguette from the corner boulangerie, a wonderful find in a vide grenier, the scents of the south, like lavender, thyme, and rosemary, a conversation on a terrace. The French know how to make small moments grand. And it’s precisely this feeling that I try to convey in my stories so that others can enjoy it too. La douce vie!
Sanary’s Sandy Beach Haven
If you stay until around 9pm on any given summer’s night, you’re sure to understand the draw of La Plage Dorée – one of Sanary-sur-Mer’s few sandy beaches. This spot has been our family go-to for the last five years. It’s not the easiest place to get to (which indeed keeps the summer crowds at bay), and you’ll have to fork over €2.70 for 2 hours of parking along a semi sea-cliff road… but let me tell you, it’s worth it.
This is the cozy, turquoise-blue beach haven that south-of-France dreams are made of. You can stake out a corner on the sand, or rent a lounge chair for the day from the restaurant of the same name, La Plage Dorée.
As the sun starts to set, you’ll be treated to peachy, golden hues on the horizon that float just over the hills behind Bandol. That’s when La Plage Dorée, Golden Beach, is at its most magical.
Luxury Cruising on the Rhône River, by J. Christina
Luxury river cruising offers the best of what seasoned travelers want; stress-free, all-inclusive travel, dining, and daily guided excursions, all onboard a 5-star boutique river ship, while slowly plying Europe’s beautiful waterways.
On a very hot day in August, embarking on a European river cruise ship for an 8-day cruise on the Rhône River in Provence is a real pleasure. It is a distinct way to see Europe’s postcard-perfect destinations. From visiting Van Gogh’s sun-drenched Provençal town of Arles to Avignon and its UNESCO World Heritage sites, and onto the culinary capital of the world, Lyon, France.
What is European River cruising? The correct term for this river vessel is Boutique River Cruise Ship. The S.S. Catherine is an elegantly designed boutique river ship offering luxury hotel-style accommodations, amenities, food, and wine from the region. The interior greets you with a stunning two-story lobby with a Murano glass chandelier and a life-size glass horse. River cruising allows travelers to embark on a one-of-a-kind itinerary, designed to see historic towns and landmarks just steps from the ship. And you arrive in the heart of great European cities and towns with ease and anticipation.
Château Sainte Croix’s Sassy Rosés
Well, friends, I’d love to share a little secret with you that Château Sainte Croix is our favorite winery to purchase rosé wine. I’m a tad hesitant to share this news, but also figure that if you make your way out there, you deserve to come home with a bottle… or two… of their pink delights.
Sainte Croix is in the region known as Provence Verte (Green Provence). You’re not far from some of the most beautiful villages in all the region (see our lovely Cotignac, and of course Lorgues) but – all clichés aside – you are most certainly off the beaten track.
Located outside of Le Thoronet, or Carces, depending on which road you take, you’re a good hour from the seaside and in the heart of the countryside. When my husband pulled onto the picturesque (vines for as far as you can see) road leading to Château Sainte Croix, he suddenly yelled out, “Rabbit, rabbit!” There was indeed the cutest hare munching her way through the grass among the grapevines.
So, if you’ve up for a little drive, the rewards are pretty great. Their rosés run from smooth to fruity and sassy (the Charmeur is our new favorite) and the whites and reds are wonderful as well. I’m going back for one of their oak-barreled blancs which reminded me a lot of a tasty California Chardonnay (our sommelier nudged me in that direction).
There’s also this amazing sparkling muscat (Bulles d’Ange) which sounds a bit wild, but is quite the most wonderful aperitif drink we’ve ever had. While our sommelier said it’s more for les femmes, my father-in-law ordered a case to be brought to him up north, so that’s saying a lot.
“Angel Bubbles” indeed!
Belle Provence Travels 