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.
The getaway proved a hit beyond their expectations. Once they found Provence, they found themselves smitten. A love affair with the region blossomed and continued for the next couple of decades. They visited Provence often, always sad to leave. When retirement rolled around, they wondered if Provence was the place for them to settle. It had been great as a vacation spot, but would it fit the bill for retirement? They particularly loved the Alsace region of France, south of Strasbourg, where they’d spent many weekends, as it was only a few hours from Heidelberg. Cycling along the Route de Vin, through one adorable wine village to another, was a favorite activity. They were also drawn to the walled city of Beaune, several hours farther south. The very walkable, compact capital city of the Burgundy wine region was a marvel to explore, and it was near many other charming villages such as Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. Both regions tempted them, but the south of France won their hearts. This tale about how the couple fell for Provence and made it home is the basis of Gayle’s first memoir, Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie (2017).
Gayle’s second memoir, The Birdwatcher’s Wife: A Quest across France for Birds and La Belle Vie, was released in 2021. The true story follows Gayle and Ralph on their 2019 year-long birding adventure across France. Ralph’s goal was to spot as many bird species as possible, while Gayle focused on discovering regional specialties, local wines, artisanal products, and unique cultural events. From their base in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, they crisscrossed the country from the Alps to the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean to the English Channel. The demanding quest shook up their lives and challenged their resolve. But France’s natural beauty, captivating culture, and astounding birdlife led the way to discoveries that surprised them both.
Gayle’s next book, tentatively titled Priceless Provence, focuses on the pleasures of Provence, starring joie de vivre. It’s scheduled for release in 2026. Watch this space!
Gayle and her husband have lived in Provence since 2011—first in Aix-en-Provence for 18 months and then in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where they continue to hatch plans for new adventures.
Belle Provence Travels 