Patsi savours sunshine and socca, with Catherine Schantz.

Affectionately known as ‘Cat’, Patsi's guest for the final show in season one of Tales From The Blue Coast, shares her journey from Strasbourg to Nice where she has long been settled. Cat’s employment entails a daily commute to Antibes, based with a recruitment agency servicing luxury yachts. With warmth and humour she describes the vibrant sailing scene on the blue waters of the Med, the intriguing lifestyles of those who own the world's largest super yachts, and the unique roles of the boat crews. She also recalls her happy upbringing in Alsace, with valuable experiences of travel and education in the USA and Israel. Most especially, Cat reflects on her evolving perception of Nice, and her deep appreciation of its beauty, culture and food.

Any music captured on the streets of Nice, is featured with the kind permission of the performers.

In this episode Patsi meets up with her friend Marilou, a Dutch entrepreneur who moved to Nice after a challenging journey that included bereavement, and the breakdown of her marriage. In relaxed candour, Marilou shares the poignant and inspiring story of her emotional bond with France. From first moving to Paris over twenty years ago, through time spent living in Grenoble, before finally settling on the Côte d’Azur. Working in the luxury accommodation sector, Marilou cherishes the lively social scene and environmental consciousness of Nice. Over afternoon tea on the Promenade des Anglais, she and Patsi reflect on the city’s supportive Anglophone network, its cultural richness and vibrant music scene. As well as the ongoing ‘green’ projects that continue to make Nice one of the most appealing cities in Europe.  

Patsi chats with Chris Tixerant, who she befriended over twenty years ago in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a beautiful mediaeval fishing town twenty minutes east of Nice. Chris shares his story from his upbringing in England to Villefranche where he ran a popular bar for over a decade, introducing live musical acts and fostering a close-knit community of locals and expats - many of whom have remained friends ever since. He expands on his subsequent endeavours on the French Riviera, in photography and personal development. Chris also reflects on his lifelong passion for football, and the vibrant sports culture of the blue coast. As well as the daily benefits of living in Nice with its welcoming atmosphere, strong Italian influence and ecological appeal.

Season 1 of Patsi’s podcast features a wide range of guests, each with their own story of life on the Riviera. In this extended trailer, their voices sum up the enduring appeal of the beautiful blue coast.

In this bonus episode, Patsi visits Hugh Mitford Raymond in his apartment on Nice’s iconic Promenade des Anglais. There, Hugh has researched and written for over three decades, producing several books - most notably The Mitfords, Nearly A Thousand Years Of History.

Together, Hugh and Patsi revisit a darker aspect of the Mitford story through two of the notorious 20th century ‘girls’ – Unity (1914-1948) and Diana (1910 – 2003)

Hugh explains the sisters’ mutual obsession with the Nazi project, the controversies in its wake - and the questions that remain. He reflects too, on what it is to be a Mitford when a chapter of the family's past casts such a long shadow.

Patsi introduces Sarah Hopkinson, who moved to France as a teenager. Sarah's journey to the French Riviera began as an au pair, leading her to settle in Nice despite the initial challenges of finding suitable accommodation and steady employment. She eventually started her own business as a translator and copywriter, a venture that has burgeoned in recent years. Sarah loves Nice's vibrant nightlife, its diverse community and the ease of meeting new people from all over the world. She is now intent on securing French nationality and continues to savour the consistent sunshine and cultural richness of the blue coast. Sarah and Patsi discuss the joys - and occasional mishaps - of life on the Riviera. Over a cocktail, in a surprisingly 'spiritual' location ...

This bonus episode finds Patsi back in conversation with Hugh Raymond Mitford, descendant squire of the celebrated Mitford dynasty of Northumberland. With personal insight and humour, Hugh casts light on the life of the eldest Mitford sister, Nancy. Famed novelist of works such as 'Love In A Cold Climate', Nancy also exposed one of the strangest Franco-British incidents of the 20th century - decades before the EU project or Brexit. Hugh reveals how his famous ancestor published the bizarre débacle of Îles Minquiers, at the same time reflecting on Nancy Mitford's character, and career. Recorded on the iconic boardwalk of Promenade des Anglais in Nice, where Hugh has lived for decades.

Patsi in conversation with Blake, who lived a complex life before settling in Nice. Born in Vancouver, Blake shares his unusual heritage and early years marked by frequent moves between France and Canada. He recounts his troubled youth including stints in juvenile and adult prison, and his eventual transformation through sports and meditation. He discusses his success in real estate ventures, as well as his decision to make Nice his permanent home with his two children, brought up with the support of his ex wife. Passionate about the Riviera capital, Blake highlights the beauty of Nice and the cultural, societal and historical richness that has brought him to peace. This episode contains references to violence, substance abuse and suicide which might be upsetting to some listeners.

Patsi meets up with Emma Orr, entrepreneur from northern England who runs a flourishing boucherie in the vibrant, welcoming town of Antibes. Emma's traditional farm upbringing and her imaginative recipes have resulted in high demand for her hand crafted sausages, pies and other butchery produce. Her clients range from regular shoppers to neighbourhood bars and restaurants, and the superyachts of the Riviera. Here Emma chats with Patsi about her personal journey to the blue coast, and how she has made an unlikely success of an English styled food business in France.

On another sunny musical afternoon in Nice, Patsi catches up with David Zincke, frontman of much loved band The Sons of Guns. The boys are a fixture of iconic Old Town bar, Wayne's. Here David reflects on the recent experience of performing in a larger ticketed venue, and the challenges of producing original music versus covers. He discusses his influences - from his all-time heroes The Beatles - to the Anglo-Indian heritage that introduced Cliff Richard to his life. David also talks vintage guitars, and finding happiness in songwriting rather than fame seeking. Bonus episode following on from earlier podcast with David and fellow band member, drummer Scott Richman.