aixcentric

Provence.  Its powerful image enchants people worldwide, and many, inspired by the wonderful Peter Mayle, actually come to live here; and also, inspired by ‘A Year in Provence’ decide that they too have a story to tell.  Most are remarkably different. Some arrive to transform crumbling chateaux, with either lots of money or their own bare hands; others take on olive groves, b&bs, camp-sites, tea-shops, book-shops; all have different ways of tackling French and the challenges of  life here….giving us a wide variety of narratives.

‘Passion for Provence’ which has just been published is a memoir from Gayle Smith Padgett who uses  her experiences to draw 22 key lessons, designed to lead to full enjoyment of ‘La Belle Vie’.

Based in Germany, she and her fellow-American husband Ralph, chose Provence for a delayed honeymoon.  The attraction was instant. ‘Though retirement was a long way off, the Provencal spell had been cast’.

Two decades later, the couple moved south…but where to settle?  Gayle entertains  her readers with stories of house-sitting in different areas, good for local knowledge, not so good for coping with wayward cats.  After a flirtation with Aix, they settled in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, close to a variety of  biking trails and also the Camargue for bird-watcher Ralph. The book takes us through tough times such as Ralph’s hospitalisation and their experience of the French medical system; but also provides lots of fun as the couple make friends, entertain and discover Porquerolles, Villefranche, and Aix itself. Grappling with the complexity of French automated post offices, locating loos, and coping when the wheels were stolen from their car, all make entertaining anecdotal reading.

The major challenge though was gaining 10-year residency which entails Gayle passing DILF, the compulsory language test.  Where could she take it? What did it entail?  Not always easy to find out. The final chapters describing the process, while amusingly written, will surely be helpful to many readers.

Will Gayle get her residency? Will Ralph ever spot that elusive Grand Duc owl?

This is a very readable narrative 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.

You can find ‘Passion for Provence’ in Book in Bar or online via Amazon.