NEWS
Culture Minister Visits Marseille - French Culture Minister Rachida Dati is visiting Marseille on the 16th of January for the first time in her role, focusing on heritage preservation. As part of her visit, she has designated the Chapelle du Rosaire (Matisse Chapel), a masterpiece by Henri Matisse, as a National Heritage Site in Vence. Alongside it, Marseille's Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica and the Sainte-Baume Sanctuary have also received the same recognition. The announcement is part of a broader plan to protect religious and cultural heritage in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, including significant funding for Marseille's cathedral and historic monuments.
Masks are now Mandatory in Hospitals of the Alpes-Maritimes and Var - Hospitals have reinstated mandatory mask-wearing due to an intense flu epidemic in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments, including Nice and Cannes. Masks are provided at some hospital entrances, and the measure is being framed as common sense to protect vulnerable individuals. While enforcement is lenient, the policy underscores the mask's evolving role as a seasonal health precaution.
Truck Accident - A truck fire on the A8 motorway near Les Arcs (Aix to Nice direction) this morning has caused drivers to be diverted via the Cannet-des-Maures exit to secondary roads toward Le Muy. This has led to heavy traffic on the RDN7 between Le Cannet-des-Maures and Le Muy.
Underground Parking - An agreement has been reached between Villefranche-sur-Mer and the Nice-Côte d'Azur Metropole to expedite the long-awaited underground parking project beneath the Antoine-Bonifaci Stadium. With 225 spaces planned and €4 million in funding allocated, construction is expected to begin soon, along with other local improvements like promenade renovations and a newsstand installation.
Grand Froid - The Mérindol Center in Avignon has opened its doors to provide emergency shelter for up to 40 homeless individuals at night, following the activation of the "grand froid" plan by the Vaucluse prefecture due to freezing temperatures. Managed by the SIAO with support from organizations like the Red Cross and Secours Populaire, the centre offers meals, warmth, and an opportunity for long-term support. Access requires a call to 115, but the centre remains open for walk-ins from 5pm to 9am.
Joan Of Arc Statue Contract Annulled - The administrative court of Nice has annulled the €170,000 contract for a Joan of Arc statue, citing a lack of competitive bidding. The city must now dismantle the statue, placed near a parking lot. The controversy has sparked political and ideological debates, including accusations of favouritism in awarding the contract to Atelier Missor, known for traditionalist and conservative-themed artworks.
Savoury Galette des Rois Twist - Lenôtre Côte d'Azur in Cannes offers a savoury twist on the traditional galette des rois, made with potato, gratin dauphinois-style, emmental cheese, cream, and chive-nut crust for €55 in Cannes. This inventive creation is available through January, alongside classic sweet galettes and other unique offerings.
NEWS UPDATE
No Concensus Motion - A no consensus motion against François Bayrou's government, initiated by La France Insoumise, was overwhelmingly rejected with only 131 votes in favour, far short of the 289 needed. The Socialist Party abstained after Bayrou made significant concessions, including reversing planned healthcare cuts, halting teacher job reductions, and maintaining temporary taxes on high incomes and large corporations. The PS signaled it remains open to supporting future no consensu motions if its demands are unmet.
47th Monter Carlo Circus Festival - The 47th Monte-Carlo Circus Festival continues its tradition of including animals, emphasizing strict animal welfare standards. Only circuses demonstrating exceptional care are invited, with round-the-clock monitoring and public access to observe conditions. Organizers argue that criticism often stems from misunderstanding, highlighting their commitment to high standards both on and off the stage.
Outrageous Parking Charge - An 82-year-old man was shocked to see a parking charge of €17,571.50 after a two-hour visit to a clinic for a cardiology appointment in Ollioules, in the Var-. Fortunately, he reported the issue via the parking machine's intercom, and the staff waived the fee entirely, allowing him to leave without paying.
BUSINESS
The UK economy grew by 0.1% in November after two months of contraction, driven by strong performance in services such as pubs, restaurants, and IT. This growth follows financial market turbulence and aligns with Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pledge to boost economic growth and living standards.
And - Hindenburg Research, a US-based short-seller known for exposing financial irregularities, is shutting down after eight years, announced founder Nate Anderson. The firm gained fame for reports against companies like Nikola and India’s Adani Group, triggering major financial losses and political controversies. Anderson plans to open-source the firm’s research methodology before focusing on personal priorities.
SPORTS
Football – AS Cannes eliminated FC Lorient 2-1on Wednesday evening. They qualified for the 8th French Cup final after this match, the draw for which will take place on Thursday evening.
Tennis - Emma Raducanu said she apologised to Andy Murray over her Wimbledon mixed doubles withdrawal last year as she did not want any "bad blood" between the pair. Murray was due to play alongside Raducanu during his final outing at the All-England Club before his fellow Briton pulled out of the mixed doubles because of "some stiffness" in her right wrist.
Meanwhile, British number one Katie Boulter's hopes of making a deep run at a major for the first time were ended by Russia's Veronika Kudermetova at the Australian Open as she lost 7-6 (7-3) 2-6 6-2 at Melbourne Park.
WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells and strong winds today. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice and Toulon, and 15 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Marseille.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 7 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, back to clear skies with gentle to moderate winds and highs of 16 degrees.
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