Introducing Deborah Bine aka Barefoot Blogger

Deborah Bine is a good friend of the author, Patricia Sands who I interviewed back in 2021.

https://www.frenchviews.com.au/my-journal/escape-to-the-south-of-france-with-author-patricia-sands

In that post, Patricia wrote: In 2014 I was approached by a travel agent who asked if I would consider developing a tour based on my novels. This was something I had not ever dreamed of and it has turned out to be such a rewarding experience year after year. It has evolved into the ‘South of France Memories Tour’ and I co-host with my great friend, Deborah Bine aka Barefoot Blogger.

Since then, I’ve been following Deborah’s Instagram and blogposts. I was interested to find out more about her to share with the French Views community.

Carole: Hi Deborah thank you for taking time to share your story with French Views. Would you please tell the readers, your story. Where you are originally from and what lead to your love of travel?

Deborah: Hi Carole, thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself to your followers. I am an American ex-pat, and I have been living in France for almost ten years. I come from the South -- the Carolinas. Now I visit my son and family in Atlanta when I'm in the States.

Using a selfie stick was probably not part of Deborah’s ‘Europe on $5 a day’ experience in 1966

I attribute my lust for travel to my Aunt Rose, who lived in New York. Her command of the big city filled me with the desire to see more big cities and more of the world. I wanted to visit China, not just Chinatown. I wanted to experience Italy, not just Little Italy. Aunt Rose encouraged my travel lust. In fact, she put me up in New York and bid me off on my first grand tour— "Europe on $5 a Day" in 1966.

Since my college days and the two-month tour of Europe on $5 a day, I've seen a lot of the US and the world. I've lived there, too. I've moved seventeen times— as far away as the Philippines. So, packing up for a new life in France wasn't as daunting to me as it might be to others. Although this time, I was on my own.

Solo travel is the passion that started it all. Check out Barefoot Blogger website for tips and inspiration

Carole: When and why did you start writing your blog, Barefoot Blogger?

Deborah: I started writing the Barefoot Blogger during my second visit to Uzès. The blog was a diary and a "letter home" to help me recall the 3-week trip I'd given myself as a retirement present. When I read over those blog posts, I realise how quickly I decided, and moved to France.

Carole: When did you first travel to France?

Deborah: My first visit to France was in the summer of 1966. Along with two girlfriends from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, we spent two and one-half months driving around Europe following the popular tour book, "Europe on $5 A Day." Our first stop in France was Nice. From there, we were "dead-headed" to Paris since we were almost out of time and money. Later in life, I revisited Paris, Nice, and spent time in Marseille —for pleasure and on work assignments.

Carole: You live in Uzès, a town in south of France. I’ve never visited, although I have visited the Pont du Gard, which is nearby. I am keen to find out how you came to discover this town.

Deborah: This seems like a strange place to start my story about France, but it begins with a trip to the wedding of Prince William and Kate. I've loved the English monarchy for as long as I can remember. Queen Elizabeth was crowned when I was a child. I had a Queen Elizabeth doll. I loved Diana and had memorabilia from her wedding and life that I collected on business trips to London. When William and Kate were to be married, I knew I had to be among the multitudes. As fate would have it, a friend invited me to visit in the South of France. We entertained ourselves by shopping at as many local markets as possible.

Some of the offerings at a French market

The Saturday market in Uzès was one along the way. I was smitten at first glance. I promised myself to return to that spot someday. A year later, with a long-stay visa in hand, I had an apartment in Uzès.

Carole: The town has obviously made an impact on you, what makes Uzès special for you and what are its most charming attractions?

Deborah: Aside from its Saturday market -- which is rated one of the best in France -- Uzès is as picture perfect as you can imagine a town in the South of France. The medieval city is surrounded by vineyards and orchards of olive trees. Most days, the sky is crystal blue, and sundowns are magical.

Uzès is an important Duchy in France, so the town has beautiful architecture, including a regal Duché and restored town plaza. The Place aux Herbes, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, dates to medieval times and always has been a gathering place for locals and visitors.

Cafè culture at *La Nougatine* in *Uzès*

The history of Uzès is filled with stories of bishops and Dukes. Uzès was established in the 5th century as a diocese with its own bishop who played a significant role in the region. Along with the bishopric, Uzès was an important duchy. The "Duke of Uzès" is a hereditary title granted to the head of the House of Crussol, a French noble family that remains the Duke of Uzès today. If France had a king, the Duke of Uzès would be the one to pronounce upon the death of the King: "The King is dead, long live the King."

Immerse yourself in the history of Uzès at *Château Ducal d'Uzès*

Perhaps because Uzès has always been an important stopping place for tourists and travellers, the townspeople are very accepting of ex-pats and visitors. When I settled here, Uzès was popular with Brits and with long and short-term residents from northern parts of Europe seeking the sun. I was one of the few Americans in town. Now there are dozens.

Carole: Do you speak French?

Deborah: "I'm working on it." That's my mantra. My best excuse for not learning the language is spending too much time among English-speaking folks. My two grandchildren were born while I was in France, and I've stayed months in the States for various reasons and events. I've put many days and dollars into trying to learn French, including Immersive French language schools and private and group lessons. I'm taking French lessons now with a teacher I love. Wouldn't you know, she's leaving town next month!

Carole: Are you still involved with Patricia Sands South of France Memories Tours?

Deborah: One of my joys living in France has been traveling with and becoming "besties" with Patricia Sands. On the South of France Memories tours we’ve visited places I only dreamed I’d see. Along with our friend and tour planner extraordinaire, Nancy McGee of Absolutely Southern France, we've had as much fun planning the tours as being on them. This year I will join Patricia and guests on the tour when they're in Uzès. My foot will be in a boot from surgery. I’ve put it off as long as I could. As for the future, I'm getting too old to predict where or what I'll be doing next. My track record speaks for itself!

Patricia Sands, Nancy McGee of Absolutely Southern France and Deborah

Carole: From your website, I see that you have travelled quite extensively outside of France. Do you have a favourite place? Do you have any plans for travel in 2023?

Deborah: France is my favorite place in the world. But I have yet to see all of France ... or the world. Last, I went to Amsterdam for the Vermeer Exhibition. The opportunity to see the sold-out show was a fluke. Two weeks before Amsterdam, I was off to Lyon with friends for an overnight eating fest sampling Bouchon restaurants. Before my foot surgery in July, I'm hoping to spend a few days in lavender fields in Provence. Life is good.

Thank you, Carole, I hope my story encourages your readers to follow their dreams and their hearts. Just remember, if you run out of runway, find a path.