Gayle Smith Padgett's Blog, page 3

A Dazzling Day Starring Cezanne & Picasso in the South of France

Mesmerizing Mont Sainte-Victoire is a stunner–any time of day, in any light. If you are doubtful, check in with Cezanne. This magnificent montagne that towers over Aix-en-Provence was the subject of 36 paintings and 45 watercolors produced by the town’s most famous native son, post-Impressionist artist, Paul Cezanne (1839-1906). He is credited with providing the … Continue reading A Dazzling Day Starring Cezanne & Picasso in the South of France

A Winter Escape: Provence to Paris

Van Gogh made me go. To Paris, that is. Not that the City of Light needed any more allure than it already has to draw me in. And by the fast train, the TGV, this magnificent city with its powerful je ne sais quoi energy is reachable in less than 3 hours from Avignon, just … Continue reading A Winter Escape: Provence to Paris

From Soggy Saint-Rémy-de-Provence…Bonne Année 2024!

Meilleurs Vœux to all for a very happy, healthy and hopeful New Year! The Nouvelle Anneé signals a special foray for Ralph and me to the Camargue, the vast wetland about an hour from home where the Rhône River empties into the Med and, for at least part of the year, a magnificent variety of … Continue reading From Soggy Saint-Rémy-de-Provence…Bonne Année 2024!

Joyeux Fêtes 2023!

Dear Readers, From a tad-bit-chilly but mostly sunny Saint-Rémy-de-Provence… Wherever you may be, I hope that you and your loved ones are well and that this holiday time brings you joy. Wishing you all the very, very best for a safe, healthy, happy, and hopeful 2024! My heartfelt appreciation goes out to each and every … Continue reading Joyeux Fêtes 2023!

Falling for the Fall Season in Provence

Flaming reds, brilliant oranges and deep, rich greens present a vibrant feast for the eyes as autumn comes into its own in Provence, making it a terrific time to savor the picturesque region. While dipping in the now-nippy pool lacks appeal, cooler temps make hiking the hills, biking the canals, and birding in the Camargue … Continue reading Falling for the Fall Season in Provence

Fabulous Finistère in Breathtaking Brittany

Wild, rugged natural beauty—both fierce and gentle—reigns in Finistère, the most westerly department of Brittany. Here, in France’s “end-of-the-earth” region, rocky coastlines, crashing waves and blazing sunsets excite, while pristine sugar sand beaches, grazing sheep and seabirds floating on sea breezes invite quiet contemplation. This stunning, other-worldly area lies about twelve hours’ drive from our … Continue reading Fabulous Finistère in Breathtaking Brittany

Ahoy, maties, let’s go Haute Savoie!

This dramatic and dreamy northeast sector of France snuggled into Switzerland is under a four-hour drive from our home in Saint-Rémy. For a week this month, we lived a magical alpine fantasy from a pied-à-terre in the tiny town of Veyrier-du-Lac, waking up to the glorious vision that is Lake Annecy, home to the quaint … Continue reading Ahoy, maties, let’s go Haute Savoie!

Snazzy Setting, Sumptuous Cuisine & More…near Saint-Rémy

Keys to the castle I didn’t expect, but an August déjeuner at the ravishing Château d’Estoublon promised treatment of the royal variety. Since summer in the south of France translates into massive crowds, which, in turn, create whopper bouchons on the highways, Ralph and I typically opt for staying close to home until les vacances … Continue reading Snazzy Setting, Sumptuous Cuisine & More…near Saint-Rémy

Party Hardy in Provence

Deep yellow Ville en Fête signage is ubiquitous around most village centers in high summer season. Detours are in store but so is fun–it’s party time, make no mistake. During July and August, most of France goes on holiday at some point, so whether a family opts to travel or enjoy a staycation, wherever they … Continue reading Party Hardy in Provence

Early Summer Scenes in the South of France

The heat is on. In Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, today the temp is to soar to a whopping 93F, which is downright steamy! It boils down to this—now’s the time to slow down, wind down, and all together power down. Keeping cool and conserving energy will be the name of the game as we head into the heart … Continue reading Early Summer Scenes in the South of France