NEWS
Mixed Weather this Week - The weather in Alpes-Maritimes will be mixed this week, with sunshine, occasional showers, and rising temperatures starting Thursday, the 10th of April. Due to a mass of cold polar air moving in from northern and eastern Europe temperatures have suddenly dropped by around 10°C on Monday, the 7th of April on the Côte d’Azur. Reaching nearly 30°C over the weekend, highs have fallen to 16–17°C along the coast. After a cloudy Monday, the sun returns Tuesday and Thursday looks especially warm and bright, with highs reaching 26°C by Friday. Rain is expected over the weekend, starting Saturday afternoon.
Night-Time Motorway Closures - There will be several night-time motorway closures From the 7th to the 11th of April in Provence, affecting major routes like the A7, A51, A55 and A57. These closures, mainly from 9pm to 6am, will impact areas such as Salon-de-Provence, Marseille, Toulon, and Aix-en-Provence. The closures are planned for maintenance and improvements, including the closure of tunnels and ramps, as well as sections of motorways in both directions.
Truck Accident this Morning - A refrigerated truck has caught fire in the early hours of Monday, the 7th of April after crashing and falling onto the A51 motorway near Aix-en-Provence. The A51 was closed in both directions, causing major traffic disruptions, especially toward Marseille. The driver was slightly injured, and diversions were in place while debris is cleared.
Serious Accident - A serious road accident has occurred on Sunday night involving a 69-year-old motorcyclist in Méthamis, Vaucluse. He was found in cardiac arrest and received CPR at the scene. The victim was taken in critical condition to Hôpital Nord in Marseille.
Homophobic Assault -Heddy, a 26-year-old activist, has been violently assaulted in a homophobic trap set via the Grindr app in Nice, leaving him with serious physical and psychological trauma. Two months after filing a police report, he still has no news of his attackers and is calling for Grindr to cooperate with French authorities. He hopes his public testimony will raise awareness and lead to better protections and justice for victims of such targeted attacks.
AI Tools Assit Doctors - AI tools developed in Sophia Antipolis, Alpes-Maritimes, aim to assist doctors in predicting the rupture risk of brain aneurysms and optimizing stent selection. These tools use medical imaging to simulate blood flow and the impact on the aneurysm, offering real-time, personalized insights. The advancements also include AI-driven stent optimization, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of treatments for aneurysms.
11th Century Chappelle de la Madone Needs Restoration - The 11th-century Chapelle de la Madone has narrowly avoided demolition after decades of neglect, and now urgently needs restoration in Menton. A fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover the €1 million cost, though only €500 has been raised so far. Once restored, the historic site will reopen to the public for cultural events and exhibitions.
Squarciafichi Footbridge - The Squarciafichi footbridge—damaged by Storm Alex in 2020—has now been fully demolished in Ventimiglia. A new bridge, essential for local life and tourism, is planned to be completed by the end of 2025. It connects the town centre to the Marina San Giuseppe, a key area for shops and beach activities.
M. Pokora 2026 Tour - M. Pokora is set to release his 10th album, Adrénaline, and will be touring in 2026, including stops in Toulon and Nice. After overcoming challenges, he feels reinvigorated and is focusing on creating a dynamic live show. Additionally, he'll return to The Voice Kids and continues to explore creative, visual elements in his music videos.
NEWS UPDATE
Nice Ouest Exit to Permanently Close - The A8 motorway entrance ramp at Nice Ouest (exit 50) towards Aix-en-Provence is permanently closing on the 8th of April, 2025. Drivers are advised to use the next entrance at Nice Aéroport (exit 51) instead. Additionally, several other ramps in the Nice area will have nighttime closures this week due to maintenance work. Namely the exits n 59, 55, 49, 47 and 44 between 10am and 3am.
BUSINESS
The Hudson’s Bay Company is closing most of its stores across Canada, sparking a surge in demand for its iconic striped merchandise, now seen as a nostalgic symbol of national heritage. The renewed interest has helped the company pay down debt and save a few stores, though most are still shutting down. While the department store model may be fading, the brand’s historic stripes might live on through licensed products or smaller boutique shops.
US President Donald Trump has defended new tariffs as necessary "medicine" to restore U.S. wealth and jobs, despite global market turmoil and recession fears. His administration insists the tariffs will stay, while critics warn of rising prices and economic fallout. The move sparked international backlash, protests across the U.S., and retaliatory measures from countries like China.
And - The Menton lemon is more expensive due to its IGP label, which ensures quality, strict production standards, and fair pay for producers. Unlike mass-produced citrus, these lemons come from a limited area and involve careful cultivation and certification. Local groups aim to boost the niche industry through expanded production, research, and new facilities.
SPORTS
Cricket - Batter Harry Brook has been named England's white-ball captain. The 26-year-old replaces Jos Buttler, who stepped down after England were knocked out of the Champions Trophy in February. Brook will take charge in both one-day internationals and T20s - ending speculation England could split the captaincy for the two formats.
Football - Southampton are set to part ways with manager Ivan Juric following relegation from the Premier League on Sunday. The south coast club are yet to make an official announcement, but sources have told BBC Sport that Juric's departure will be confirmed later today.
Rugby Union - Former British and Irish Lions and Wales fly-half Dan Biggar will retire as a player at the end of the season. Biggar will finish his 18-year career with French club Toulon, who he joined in November 2022. The 35-year-old won 112 caps for Wales in a 15-year Test career and scored more than 600 points. His final appearance was at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
ROLEX MASTERS
To make it easier for you to get to the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, travelling by train is recommended. During the tournament, trains will stop at the “Monte-Carlo Country Club” station between Monaco and Roquebrune Cap Martin. The train ZOU ! will drop you 500 metres from entrance 4 of Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. Unfortunately, this train station is not adapted for persons of reduced mobility. Travellers may also use, free of charge, the Principality buses (lines 1,4 or 6) to get to the Monte-Carlo Country Club. If you’re travelling by car several car parks are available, and you will be eligible for a special tournament price. Complimentary shuttle buses will then take you to the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
The LIGNE 600 buses from the Port Lympia in Nice and bus stations in Menton depart every 15 minutes and will drop you at the Saint Roman stop, in Roquebrune Cap Martin.
Lastly, the BLADE helicopter offers by-the-seat flights, every 30 minutes from Nice Airport (Terminal 1 / Terminal 2 / Affairs Terminal) to Monaco Heliport in 7 minutes only. From there, a BLADE van will accompany you to the tournament gates.
WEATHER
Cloudy with occasional sunny spells and gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice, 17 in Cannes and Saint-Tropez, 18 in Marseille and 20 degrees in Toulon.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 12 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear with cloudy intervals and highs of 17 degrees.
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