NEWS
Very Wet October - Following a very wet September October brought 40% more rain than average to France. The depression Kirk contributed to heavy rainfall and flooding in several regions, with an average of 132 mm of rain. Temperatures were also 1.6°C above the 1991-2020 average.
France Prepares Support and Aid for Flooded Spain - Devastating floods in Spain have claimed at least 95 lives, prompting solidarity from the Côte d'Azur, where mayors have offered support and relief aid. Similar to past disasters in the region, the floods have revived painful memories, with leaders urging swift urban adaptation to climate changes. France has readied 250 firefighters, and the Secours Populaire is collecting donations, awaiting Spain's request for aid.
Two Men Arrested for Selling Cocaine in a Supermarket Parking Lot - Two men from Paris have been sentenced to prison for selling cocaine in a supermarket parking lot in Saint-Raphaël, with immediate detention ordered. Police found 600 grams of cocaine and over €7,500 in cash in their car after suspecting them during a patrol. Their attempts to explain away the drugs were dismissed, and one of the men had a prior offense.
Man Sentenced for Drug Possession - A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to one year in prison after police seized one kilogram of cocaine worth up to €80,000 and cannabis resin from his home in Avignon. Arrested on October 23, he claimed he was merely a "caretaker" for the drugs.
Prolio Family, Farmers for Generations - The Priolio family has maintained a three-hectare urban farm for generations, resisting urban expansion to offer fresh produce directly to locals in Six-Fours-les-Plages, Var. Gabrielle Priolio, a young farmer trained in agriculture, plans to carry on the family tradition on this land dating back to 1780. Her father, Robert, deliberately designated the property as agricultural to preserve it, resisting offers from real estate developers.
Olive Harvest is Down 40% - Olive harvests in Vaucluse are down by at least 40% this year after an exceptional 2023 season, as olive trees often alternate between high and low yields. Weather challenges, especially high humidity affecting key varieties, also impacted this year's yield, though the olives are of high quality. Olive oil production will be lower, with some mills potentially running out of stock before next summer.
Hunter Fined for Hunting near Road - A hunter has been fined €135 for hunting within 50 meters of a roadway, which is prohibited in the Dentelles de Montmirail, Vaucluse. The incident occurred during a control operation by local gendarmes and biodiversity agents across several towns.
France's Largest Artificial Lake near Capacity - The Serre-Ponçon reservoir, France’s largest artificial lake, is near capacity after receiving unprecedented rainfall volumes this year, with October alone adding 300 million cubic meters - three times the typical amount. EDF Hydro Méditerranée manages the lake, balancing flood control, energy production, and water supply, adapting to changing weather with real-time adjustments. The lake supplies electricity for over 2 million people, but as climate conditions become more unpredictable, precise and proactive water level management is increasingly critical.
BUSINESS
Rail unions are protesting the government's decision to liquidate Fret SNCF, which includes cutting 500 jobs and handing 24 freight routes to competitors. The unions demand immediate talks, warning of possible strikes to halt the restructuring, which they argue undermines the public rail system’s efficiency and worker protections. They are calling for a moratorium on Fret SNCF's breakup and an end to plans for regional rail privatization.
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD’s revenues surpassed Tesla’s for the first time, reaching $28.2 billion last quarter, boosted by China’s government subsidies. While Tesla still sold more EVs overall, BYD’s domestic sales continue to rise, even as the EU and U.S. have imposed tariffs on Chinese EV imports, citing unfair subsidies. These government incentives are part of China’s strategy to drive its high-tech exports and bolster its economy.
And - The UK government has announced a 4.6% increase in regulated train fares and a £5 hike for most railcards in England starting in March 2025, sparking criticism for raising public transport costs above inflation. Chancellor Rachel Reeves also introduced other budgetary measures, including tax increases and investments in schools, the NHS, and rail infrastructure. Critics argue that these fare increases undermine efforts to promote affordable, eco-friendly travel options.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has banned players from drinking alcohol during national team gatherings to help improve off-field discipline.
Formula 1 - Fernando Alonso’s arrival at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix will be delayed because of medical treatment for an intestinal infection.
Football - Manchester United will visit Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. Holders Liverpool will visit Premier League strugglers Southampton.
WEATHER
Warm and clear this afternoon. Highs of 23 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 24 in Cannes, and 25 degrees in Toulon and Marseille.
Tonight, still very clear with lows of 16 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same, clear skies with highs of 22 degrees and a gentle breeze.
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