In some ways Agde is typical of the South of France - sparkling blue waters and warm sands. It is a playground for the beautiful and the wealthy, boasting a glittering casino and several nudist beaches. Those beaches have made it a favourite haunt of swingers, and there is a resort and hotel especially set up for those looking for a wild and carefree holiday in the sunshine.

But February 2024 saw Agde thrust into the spotlight - after its Mayor, Gilles d’Ettore, was arrested for corruption. But he says he was literally…bewitched.

This is the story of sex, psychics and sunshine and how one respected public figure claims to have been taken in by the beautiful town clairvoyant Sophia Martinez. Now Gilles, Sophia and her husband are awaiting trial. Martinez is being accused of witchcraft, and Gilles is the subject of mockery. So what really happened in Agde?

This series will be a romp through a local scandal that has titillated the interest of the global press, led by Anna Richardson and Leo Schick - the local journalist that saw it all unfold on her doorstep.

Listen to The Mystic and The Mayor on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/the-mystic-and-the-mayor/ now.

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