News National
Heavy traffic expected this weekend - Bison Futé has warned of heavy traffic on the roads in France this weekend, classifying Saturday as orange and Sunday red, as many head back after the May public bank holidays. All major roads are expected to be affected and in particular journeys linking the coastline to large cities. Congestion is expected from Saturday in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (A7), on the Mediterranean Arc (A8 and A9) and on the northern borders (A25).
Taylor Swift takes Paris by storm - American singer Taylor Swift has taken Paris by storm thrilling crowds with songs from her newest album. In the first of her European dates, at La Défense arena on Thursday night Swift added seven songs from her new 31-track album, including the single Fortnight and I Can Do It with a Broken Heart, which charts the difficulties she experienced touring after a relationship breakdown. Swift took to the stage shortly after 8pm playing Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince, before greeting the sold-out crowd. She added that she felt "incredibly lucky" to be launching the European leg of her tour in "the most beautiful, romantic city in the world". The 34-year-old remained on stage for more than three hours, finishing just after 11pm, having played 45 songs from across her 18-year career. The tour arrives in the UK on 7 June, with dates in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff and London.
European Elections - According to an Ifop survey for Ouest France published on Thursday, May 9, almost half (46%) of French people feel worried about Europe and 16% feel angry. However, the majority (59%) say they are proud to be European. Just one month before the European elections, what do the French think of Europe? The French first mention a feeling of worry (for 46% of them), while others say they feel anger (13%). 16% also declare themselves indifferent and only a quarter express a positive feeling. 15% speak of confidence and 10% of optimism. Nevertheless, a majority of French people say they are proud to be European, but this feeling is declining, going from 68% in December 2021 to 59% in April 2024. The inhabitants of Centre-Val de Loire, Hauts-de-France, nearly a third (30%) of Normandy and Corsica say they are never or rarely proud of being European. Even among French people proud to be European, the feeling of worry (43%) comes before confidence (24%) and optimism (14%). The people interviewed also believe that certain territories benefit more from EU policy and financial resources. And the countries to which the French feel closest to are Spain (24%), Germany (23%), Belgium (18%) and Italy (14%), all other states collecting 3% or less.
Local
Nice attack trial - The July 14th Nice attack trial which is taking place in Paris has been accused of giving “no answers” and has generated a lot of anger. Since April 22, the Paris Court of Appeal has been retrying two co-accused of the Nice attack. A repeat trial which, for the victims, leaves questions unanswered and has fuelled a lot of anger from the Promenade des Anges victim assistance association which was formed the day after the attack.
Paraglider seriously injured - A paraglider has been seriously injured whilst landing in Gréolières. The incident occurred on Thursday morning shortly after 11.30am. The 59-year-old victim from Corsica was airlifted by helicopter to hospital in Nice.
Investigation - An investigation is underway after the discovery of two human skulls and a hand found placed in a bag and left in front of a chapel in Aix-en-Provence. The bag containing the human-looking bones was discovered on Wednesday afternoon in front of the Sainte-Anne chapel in Aix-en-Provence. An investigation has been opened by police.
Olympic flame - If you’re in Toulon, Hyères, or La Seyne today Friday 10th May then you will not be able to escape the Olympic flame which will be passing in the region after leaving Marseille. Hyères will welcome the flame between 10 a.m. and 10:30am will end the day in Toulon at 5.15pm at the Place de la Liberté. This is where the last torchbearer will light the cauldron, at around 7:20pm. Fan zones have been set up along the way for spectators of the flame.
Business
Apple has apologised after online backlash over an advert that showed objects, including musical instruments and books, being crushed by a hydraulic press. In a statement Apple said the advert fell short of its goal of empowering and celebrating creatives. The video was meant to demonstrate how creativity has been compressed into the latest iPad. But celebrities including Hugh Grant and Justine Bateman reacted with horror to the destruction shown in the advert.
Data in France has shown that with the increase of people working from home since covid many have moved nearer to the sea. Population gains are estimated at between 2 and 5% and even 10% in certain regions. The survey from INSEE showed that the most affected coastline was the Atlantic such as the Morbihan and the Aquitaine coast.
And – A new American airline company Bark Air is giving VIP treatment to those wishing to travel with their four-legged companions from New York to London. The VIP treatment comes at a price of 7,500 euros for a one-way ticket. On Bark Air flights, which are set to begin on May 23rd, the animal and its owner can travel together in first class.
Sport
Football – In the Premier League this weekend on Saturday Fulham are at home to Manchester City, Bournemouth face Brentford, Everton play Sheffield United, Newcastle are at home to Brighton, Tottenham play Burnley, West Ham face Luton, Wolves are at home to Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest play Chelsea.
In other football news Olympique de Marseille have missed out on their semi-final return to the Europa League after losing to Bergamo 3 nil on Thursday.
Historic Grand Prix - This year’s historic grand prix gets underway today here in the Principality with three action-filled days on the famed Monaco circuit. Free practice sessions will be held from 11:00am until 6.20pm today, and qualifying sessions will follow from 8.15am until 4.35pm on Saturday. The races will take place from 8am until 5.40pm on Sunday, and the circuit will re-open to the public at 7.30pm. For information on coming into Monaco during the event please check out the Riviera Radio website.
Cricket - Two stands at Lord’s cricket ground in London are to get a makeover after plans for a £61.8m redevelopment were approved on Thursday. The work, voted through by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) members last week, will increase the ground's capacity by 1,100 seats.
Weather
Mainly fine with sunshine and highs of 21 degrees in Nice, Monaco with a gentle breeze. Marseille 25 degrees and sunny with light winds. 24 degrees in Toulon. This evening going down to 13 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for the weekend remaining much the same with highs of 25 degrees sunny and light winds.
Sunrise 06.10am
Sunset 08.43pm
Sea temperature
Monaco 16.6°
Weather elsewhere
Palma 24° sunny.
Oslo 15° sunny intervals.
New York 13° light rain.
Sydney 20° light rain.
TGV services across much of France are gradually improving after several arson attacks affected the network in the early hours of this morning....
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Paris is getting ready to shut down it’s city centre and its airspace as well as mobilise 45,000 police and several army units in what has been billed...
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Lucie Castets, the left-wing candidate for Prime Minister, reiterated her desire to lead the government during a media appearance on July 25. A poll s...
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French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing to welcome world leaders to the Olympic games opening ceremony tomorrow night and has been visiting key ...
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France will host the 2030 Winter Olympics in the Alpes, conditional on state and regional financial guarantees. President Macron confirmed his full su...
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