My latest book, Pleasures of Provence: A Quest for the Secret to Joie de Vivre in La Belle France, releases on the first day of spring, 20 March 2026.
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.
For American expats Gayle and Ralph, losing their beloved belle vie in a Provençal village is unimaginable. Determined to protect this Frenchified good life, Gayle embarks on a quest to define the essence of the allure: the secret to joie de vivre.
Unlocking the mystery leads to treks by boats, bikes, and boots across the country’s diverse regions. The intrepid couple explores striking landscapes, navigates the quirks of French culture, and indulges in delectable cuisine. From bustling markets in charming villages to blockbuster expos in the City of Light, each chapter is a feast for the senses, brimming with humor, warmth, and unforgettable characters.
These escapades ultimately reveal the elusive answer Gayle seeks: The Pleasure Principles. They’re uncomplicated but require practice—with a French twist.
More than a travel memoir, this enchanting book is a heartfelt and witty journey into the soul of Provence and beyond. A celebration of la belle vie, it’s a delightful read for anyone who loves French adventures, food, and finding joie de vivre moments.
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The Birdwatcher’s Wife has arrived! There were a few twists and turns but, enfin, the true story of an American couple’s French birding quest is now out in the world. Here’s a summary:
Living la belle vie in Provence is a dream come true for American expats Gayle and Ralph. But their mellow world is disrupted when passionate birdwatcher Ralph suggests a year-long quest to find 200 bird species in France. They’ll crisscross the country, from the Mediterranean to the English Channel, the Pyrenees to the Alps.
Though the eat-preen-love lifecycle of birds does not fascinate Gayle, an off-the-beaten-track adventure does. New hilltop villages, vibrant outdoor markets, and gastronomical delicacies await! Aware the mission is powered by passion and protective of their relationship, she insists that Ralph go slow and savor the experience. He agrees … but is it a promise he can keep?
Heart-pounding alpine roads, mosquito-ridden marshes, and Mother Nature’s furious forces stand in the way. But France’s natural beauty, captivating culture, and astounding birdlife lead the way … to discoveries that surprise them both.
Where to find it: Whenever possible, please support your local independent book stores, such as the wonderful Saint-Remy Presse (Saint-Remy-Provence), and Book in Bar (Aix-en-Provence). It’s also available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.
Happy reading!
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My first book, Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie (published November 2017) is the story of how my husband, Ralph, and I stumbled upon Provence while living and working in Germany and how we’ve made it home—plus 22 keys to making a French dream come true.
Over two decades, we flirted with France, trying to decide which region we loved more–Alsace, Burgundy or Provence. The sunny southern region–with its bird-rich Camargue–won our hearts in the end. First we shacked up with France in Aix-en-Provence and then eight years ago, we moved to Saint-Remy-de-Provence at the foot of the craggy Les Alpilles mountain range. Along the way, we cracked the codes on living life at lunch, the chocolate chip cookies effect on bureaucrats, keeping our auto on all fours, and appreciating the rarest views–from Saint Jean-de-Luz to Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Praise for Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie
Belle Provence Travels, January 2021:
“Passion for Provence is light-hearted, uplifting, and an inspiring story about expat life in one of the most captivating regions in all of France. If you’re in the mood for a great “armchair escape” to the sunny south of France, you’ll love reading Gayle’s spirited memoir.”
The Good Life France, June 2020:
“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!” 5 Stars
Perfectly Provence:
“…enjoy this funny, witty memoir … a useful resource for anyone considering an expat relocation to France.”
Connexion Magazine, April 2018:
“A honeymoon started this love affair with France, that and a glass or several of rosé…Coupled with a spell in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence they had caught the bug and for the next two decades they criss-crossed the country finding the places they loved most. But loving and living are two different things and being American meant getting residence papers. This is an eye-opener for most Britons, used to the European regime, and Gayle is a handy guide to French life.”
FRANCE magazine, April 2018: “Engaging memoir.” (4 out of 5 stars)
Aixentric:
“…written with wry humour and clear love for France and the French. It’s recommended for those thinking about a move, but also provides interesting observations and insights for those of us already in Provence.”
Where to find it: Whenever possible, please support your local book store. Also available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.
Passion for Provence
Gayle Smith Padgett 