I just turned 80. It’s as hard to admit as it is to imagine.
If someone had told me years ago that I would celebrate that birthday on the terrace of a stone mas outside Uzès in the South of France, surrounded by fifty friends I met after moving to France, I would have laughed. But that is exactly what happened.
When I first came to Uzès years ago, it was simply a stop on a trip through the South of France. I had no idea then that the town would eventually become my home —or that one day I would celebrate an 80th birthday here, surrounded by friends.
Sunday afternoon turned into one of those perfect days you don’t plan.
After weeks of rain, the sun finally came out. The terrace of my dear friend Julia’s home was filled with people talking, greeting each other, and balancing glasses of wine.
It felt very French.
A “Very French” Tea Party
The theme of the afternoon was a tea party, which probably says something about my rather eclectic life. There were delicate sandwiches reminiscent of Carolina days -salmon, chicken salad, egg salad. Scones were an homage to my host and British friends, served with what passes in France for clotted cream —crème fraîche douce—and strawberry jam. Sausage rolls. And towers of cupcakes.
Tea and coffee were poured. And because this was France, there was also plenty of wine.
At one point, I looked around and realized something that still surprises me. Almost every person there was someone I had met since moving to France thirteen years ago.
The only family present was my nephew and his husband, who came from Montpellier, where they now live partly because of my influence.
Life has a funny way of circling back.
Life in Uzès After Moving to France
Turning 80 is a strange milestone. Part of me finds it hard to believe the number. The other part knows how fortunate I am to have reached it. I’ve had a few health scares along the way—enough to remind me that none of this is guaranteed.
Which makes a day like Sunday feel especially meaningful.
My two sons live in the United States and have built wonderful lives there. They’ve also given me two beautiful grandchildren whom I’ve mostly watched grow from across the ocean through visits and video calls.
Like many people who live abroad, I carry both gratitude and a bit of distance. Interestingly, I convinced my sons not to fly over for the party. We’ll celebrate with private time. This gathering really belonged to the life I’ve built here—to the people who are part of my daily world in France.
And what a world it has turned out to be.
When I first started writing about life in Uzès, it was simply a way to share the experience of discovering this place.
Over time, the blog introduced me to people from all over the world—readers, travelers, fellow writers, and remarkable women working in travel and journalism. Some became friends. Some became collaborators. Many simply became part of the extended community that has grown around these stories.
Those connections even led to the opportunity to lead women’s tours and spend time with extraordinary travelers who share the same curiosity about the world. I never could have planned any of it.
Technology has played its part too. Photography, blogging, and video—things that didn’t exist when I began my career—now allow me to keep learning, experimenting, and sharing what I discover. Curiosity, I’ve decided, may be the best anti-aging strategy there is.
The world feels uncertain right now. Events shift constantly, and none of us really knows what tomorrow will bring.
But standing on that terrace Sunday afternoon, surrounded by friends from many countries who somehow all ended up in this corner of France, I felt something very simple.
I love this town. I love the life I’ve built here. And I’m grateful for these eighty years.
Apparently, the adventure isn’t over yet.
55 Responses
I wish you the happiest of years as you celebrate you throughout! Thank you for all of your beautiful words! I do hope to meet you some time!
Joyeux Anniversaire! A la prochaine!
Thank you! It was one of those days I’ll always remember.
Happy birthday my dear friend. You are an inspiration that has nothing to do with age and everything to do with embracing life.
Hard to believe 80 can feel this good! I was lucky to have so many friends there. Thank you!
Faboulous. Thank you Debi. Each event with you is an adventure.
Thank you for celebrating with me, Nevenka. Another fun day in Uzès!
Kudos to you, and happy birthday! Thank you for sharing your life in France. I am still dreaming, and I’ve had some set-backs, but my traveling shoes are just about ready, and I’ll be heading back to Nice. Perhaps I will look you up in
Uzes. ☺️
Please do keep in touch about Nice. Thank you so much for your good wishes. Bisous.
Happy Birthday, Debbi! Looking fabulous as always! 🎉❤️
I think of you so often, Erin, and the wonderful times we’ve had in Uzès and Nice. Please let me know when you’re back. Thank you!
Happy birthday, Deborah! So delighted to see you had such a wonderful celebration. Exactly what you deserve. I’m sure you’re looking forward to more decades in your beautiful Uzes.
It really was a magical day for me in Uzès. Yes, I’m hoping for even more! Thank you for the kind words.
Happy Birthday to someone who helps me enjoy one of my favorite things-France. Paris is my place but follow but it sounds like you are having a wonderful life where you are. I will turn 79 in October and look forward to 80.
Thank you, Pat. It meant a lot to celebrate with people who have been part of my life story in France. 80 isn’t as bad as it sounds!
Happy birthday, Deborah. I’ll never forget the beautiful times we had with you in France. You are part of the reason it was our best year ever. XO
Dear Trudy, I’m so happy to hear from you. You can’t imagine how many times I talk about dog sitting for you.. and how often I think about you when I’m on the road to Avignon. Those days with you and John were some of my favorite memories. Come back to visit anytime. Thank you for the birthday wishes.
Happy Birthday! Wonderful that you are celebrating in a place you love, surrounded by people you love.
Thank you Sam. Good friends, wine, and a beautiful day in Uzès is certainly not a bad way to turn 80!
Your birthday celebration was a wonderful event in a beautiful space with lovely people.
It felt less like a birthday and more like a reunion of wonderful people. Thank you for being one of them! And for the photos!
This adventure is just beginning <3
Can't wait to see you in a few weeks….We'll toast to your 80th and my 75th 🙂
à bientôt
Thank you! I can’t wait to get together again. Please, let’s talk soon! Wish you could have been here for the party.
Happy Birthday, Deborah. Here’s to many more.
Meriel is British, and I’m an American. We have lived near Rugby, England, since 2018. And loving it.
Thank you! I kept looking around the table thinking how lucky I am. Keep on enjoying it all!
WOW! Now that sounds like the perfect way to celebrate your 80th birthday. The photos show just how beautiful and elegant the event was in Uzes, France. So happy for you, Deborah.
Thank you, Deborah. I am so happy that we stay in touch. It’s friends like you that make my life so full. And at 80!
How absolutely perfect! This birthday celebration was a special one, for a special lady who opened herself up to a new life of infinite possibilities in France. Cheers to you, and cheers to many more celebrations!
It felt less like a birthday and more like a reunion of wonderful people. I’m hoping to see you somewhere, sometime again.
So Happy for you.You are so courageous!
Thank you! I kept looking around the terrace thinking how lucky I am.
Happy 80th birthday, Deborah! Looks like it was a beautiful celebration honoring the life you have created in Uzes.
Happy, Happy 80 Trips around the Sun, Deborah Bines! I was one of the lucky ladies on your “Absolutely” Provence tour in September, 2022! Your enthusiasm for life, your stories of life and experiences were a true highlight, Deb! I marveled then, as I do now, at your zest, your independence. I thank you, Deb…💕
Hi Jan, and thank you for the birthday message. I am bumfuzzled that I am 80! But I’m so happy I can keep on going! Isn’t it time for you to return to France? Best wishes to you!
Happy Birthday Deb! What a wonderful way to celebrate. You have made a great life in Uzes.
Turning 80 in France has its advantages — especially with friends like these. Hope to see you here again someday!
You kicked off your shoes and wiggled you toes in the sand.
You have embraced a life that has embraced you Deb.
Many happy returns of this day May the sun continue to shine upon you.
Helen N.Z.
You kicked off your shoes and wiggled you toes in the sand.
You have embraced a life that has embraced you Deb.
Many happy returns of this day May the sun continue to shine upon you.
Helen N.Z.
A wonderful post. You are a very glamorous 80 year old. I have followed your blog since you went to live in Uzes. Keep up the good work.
Thank you! I’m so happy you’re still here… that is one of my best presents. Hoping that I’ll be at this for many years more!
Happy birthday Debbie! Much love, the Sues x
Thank you for celebrating with me, even from afar! Hope to see you again in Uzès or Caromb. Let me know when you’re back.
DEB – SO happy to see this wonderful Blog of your birthday!!!! It sounded amazing – ESPECIALLY THAT TEA PARTY!!!! My sister JUST said the same thing about HER 80th -“if anyone would’ve told that 12 year old, living in cold Michigan winters, that I’d be living in Sarasota, Florida, in sunshine and the Gulf…I would never have believed them!” It is NOT France – but wonderfully different from growing up years!!!!
From your early days I have watched you from afar. I too own a little house in France but my husband’s ill health meant we got stuck in UK two year’s ago and haven’t yet returned. You are a woman and inspiring woman with great courage and oomph! Well done x
Maureen, you can’t imagine how much I appreciate your note. You are the reason I keep going at this. I know that I am so terribly lucky to be spending my last years in France. Living a dream. I hope to continue sharing it with you as long as possible. Please let me know when you return to France. Meanwhile, blessings to you and your husband. I wish you well.
Joyeux Anniversaire !
Dearest Deborah, blessings to you on your 80th Birthday! I’m so very happy for you! Looking forward to celebrating with you in the States soon! Hugs!!
Drborah,
Happy. happy birthday. I am so pleased to hear about your wonderful celebration, and, yes, our piece of France is beautiful and to be celebrated as well. Hope to see you this spring when we journey to Uzes!
Thank you! A beautiful day after weeks of rain, and good company… it was perfect! Please let me know when you’re in town.
Love this! Happy 80th and wishing you many more!
Thank you! Still smiling about that day.
Happy Birthday! It looked like such a beautiful time.
The most important take away from this ….”Curiosity is the best anti-aging strategy there is.” This 80+ friend couldn’t agree with you more. This philosophy has served you well.
You inspire us all! Keep on going exploring and sharing with the rest of us. Happy Birthday! Again. Julie
Julie, you inspire me! You never seem to stop going and doing, and enjoying life to the fullest. Who would have every thought that we would still be connected after all these years. Keep on keeping on! And visit soon!
Happy Birthday, Deborah!
I met you in September last year during a tour either Patricia Sands. It was a pleasure to visit your lovely apartment in Uzes and to hear about your experience in France.
Yvonne
So happy to hear from you again, Yvonne. Patricia and I are taking off again in April for another “Eighty & Epic” tour. Hope you’ll come back to visit someday soon! Thank you for reaching out to me again. Til next time!