Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie

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 Provence: 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.