Tales From The Blue Coast

Tunes From The Blue Coast - The Sons in '26

Latest from Nice based Anglo-French band The Sons of Guns, whose popularity has soared in recent years. Their repertoire of 70s' rock and pop, folk, blues and pure form Americana draws regular crowds in the city's Old Town venue, Wayne's. That following has propelled them to touring much further afield. Long time fan and friend of the band, Patsi meets up with the boys to find out how it's been going - and where it might yet be heading. The podcast captures a selection of their beautiful performances in studio, stage and in situe at Old Town venue Wayne's.

Tales From The Blue Coast - Vanessa

The second season of these lively and revealing podcasts opens with Patsi meeting up with Vanessa, a Canadian of Filipino heritage who has lived and worked on The Riviera for several years. Vanessa shares her journey to becoming a French citizen in Nice, having moved there from Paris. Despite initial citizenship rejection, Vanessa persevered. She talks about her work as a teacher and tour guide, and her new business venture to create inclusive, family-friendly tours of Nice for visitors with special needs. Reflecting on the cultural and linguistic dynamics of the city, Vanessa champions its beauty while also acknowledging its many challenges.

Tales From The Blue Coast - Season 1 Final Episode - Cat

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.

Tales From The Blue Coast - Marilou

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.

Tales From The Blue Coast - Chris @tixthebox

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.