National News
Defective airbags - France’s Ministry of Transport has announced that Toyota and Mercedes-Benz are recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles in France due to defective airbags. The airbags pose a risk of exploding, potentially injuring drivers. Affected vehicles include models sold between 2001 and 2018, and owners are advised not to drive them until the airbags are replaced. Mercedes has already replaced airbags in over half of the 217,877 affected vehicles, while Toyota is still working to recall 70,000 cars. Despite ongoing recall campaigns since 2015, the return rate has slowed, increasing risk. The recall affects popular models like the Toyota Yaris and Corolla, and the Mercedes A-Class and C-Class.
Local News
Curfew - The town of Cagnes-sur-Mer has enforced a curfew for children under 13 to curb petty crime. The measure, renewed on April 1st and running until October 30th, restricts minors from being outside after 11 p.m. in three city areas: Val-Fleuri, city centre, and Cros-de-Cagnes. The curfew, which has also been implemented in Nice by Mayor Christian Estrosi, aims to ensure children's safety and prevent crime. Despite support from local authorities, the measure has faced long-standing opposition from the Human Rights League.
No tax increases in Nice - The mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has announced that there will be no tax increases in the city before 2030 or beyond, following a presentation of the city's 2024 financial report on April 10. Estrosi highlighted that Nice's finances are strong, with operating revenue surpassing expectations by €4 million, and operating expenses reduced by €8 million, allowing for €100 million in investments without increasing debt. Estrosi emphasized that the city's debt repayment period is under control, now at 6.75 years compared to 16.1 years in 2023, well below the critical threshold of 12 years. He also boasted that Nice's taxes are among the lowest of major French cities. Despite criticism from opposition figures like MP Éric Ciotti, who claims the city's debt is a serious issue, Estrosi defended his administration's financial management, calling it "well-managed" and "efficient."
Banque Edmond de Rothschild Monaco - Banque Edmond de Rothschild Monaco is positioning itself as a leading player in the Principality, with plans to build a new headquarters at Place d'Armes by 2026. The private bank, part of the Switzerland-headquartered Edmond de Rothschild Group, has grown rapidly, increasing its market share from under 4% to over 8% in the past decade. With 250 employees, the bank manages over €16 billion in assets and prides itself on offering "tailor-made" wealth management solutions for a select group of wealthy clients, 60% of whom reside in Monaco. The bank's DNA focuses on understanding each client's unique needs and risk tolerance, providing personalized services in an environment of political and economic stability.
Head of Edmond de Rothschild Monaco, Gérard Ohresser, emphasized the bank’s commitment to quality over growth, with a strong focus on security, which he believes is Monaco's biggest appeal. He also highlighted the use of artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, aiming to provide high-quality services for a clientele of entrepreneurs and their families.
More American buyers in Nice – Finally, more and more wealthy Americans are coming to Nice and the French Riviera, attracted by luxury hotels, direct flights, and Mediterranean charm — some even buying property and settling there. In 2024, American tourism in the region surged, surpassing other nationalities, with one in two apartment sales in Nice now going to Americans. While some express concerns about rising anti-American sentiment, many still choose the Côte d’Azur for its lifestyle, gastronomy, and sense of European stability.
Business
Gold prices have surged to a record high as investors seek safe-haven assets amid deepening trade tensions between the US and China. The rally follows a sharp drop in Asian markets on Friday. US stocks also slumped on Thursday, erasing much of the gains from Wednesday’s historic rally. Despite the escalating rhetoric, President Trump expressed optimism, saying he still hoped for a deal: “We’ll end up working something out that’s very good for both countries.” Still, markets remain jittery as the tit-for-tat measures raise fears of a prolonged trade war.
OpenAI has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk, accusing him of repeatedly trying to disrupt its operations for personal gain. The AI firm claims Musk used “bad-faith tactics” in an effort to assert control over its advanced technology, alleging he has worked “nonstop” to slow the company’s progress. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI alongside CEO Sam Altman but parted ways with the company years ago, previously sued Altman in an attempt to block changes to OpenAI’s corporate structure. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, comes amid a growing rift between the two tech giants.
And - Tesco has reported a £299 million rise in annual profits to £3.13 billion, even as it announced 400 job losses and criticised rising employer taxes. The UK’s largest supermarket by market share says it expects lower profits next year due to what CEO Ken Murphy called an "intensification of competition" in the retail sector. Despite the profit boost, Murphy did not rule out further job cuts, stating it would be “naive” to make such assurances. However, he noted that Tesco ended the financial year with more staff than it began with.
Sport
Tennis - Jack Draper has bowed out of the Monte Carlo Masters after a hard-fought three-set loss in the last 16. Elsewhere, second seed Carlos Alcaraz eased into the quarter-finals with a 6-3 6-1 win over Daniel Altmaier and will face France’s Arthur Fils next.
Football - Manchester United drew 2-2 against Lyon in Thursday's 2-2 Europa League draw and will host Lyon in the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday.
Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has launched a fierce attack of the club’s direction under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, accusing the new co-owners of “destroying everything.” The club has recently faced backlash over rising ticket prices and staff redundancies, moves Ratcliffe defended as necessary to avoid financial crisis. Cantona said: “Since Ratcliffe arrived, this team of directors try to destroy everything, and they don't respect anybody. I feel sad to see United in this kind of situation.” Cantona, who played 185 times for United between 1992 and 1997, added: “I love United, but if I were a fan choosing a club today, I don't think I’d choose United.” His comments come amid United’s ambitious £2bn plan to build a new 100,000-seater stadium near Old Trafford.
Cricket - The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that the game will return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028 as a six-team T20 tournament for both men and women. Qualification details are yet to be announced. This will mark cricket’s second appearance at the Olympics—the first was in 1900 in Paris, where Great Britain beat France in a one-off final. Talks are reportedly underway between the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Scotland about fielding a combined Team GB.
Formula One - Carlos Sainz may face another fine after swearing during an official press conference while criticising a penalty he received at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Williams driver was fined €10,000 (around £8,648), half of it suspended, for arriving late to the national anthem ceremony on the grid, a delay he attributed to stomach issues and for which he later apologised.
Women’s Rugby - England head coach John Mitchell has made three changes ahead of Saturday's Women’s Six Nations match against Ireland in Cork, with World Cup-winning number eight Alex Matthews returning from suspension.
Weather
Cloudy start clearing as the day goes on. Highs of 17 degrees in Monaco and Nice. 18 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 10 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for the weekend. A mainly fine start tomorrow becoming increasingly cloudy by Saturday afternoon and light rain is forecast for Sunday. Highs of 17-18 degrees.
Meanwhile, Storm Olivier, currently affecting the Canary Islands and Morocco with heavy rain and strong winds, could impact France this weekend. While the storm won’t hit the country directly, it may cause instability here on the Côte d’Azur, including rain and gusty winds starting Saturday evening. Expect cooler, rainy weather in Nice and along the coast through early next week.
Sunrise 06.54am
Sunset 08.09pm
Weather elsewhere
London 22° sunny.
Paris 22° sunny.
Dublin 19° sunny
Beach weather forecast
Saint-Tropez Plage – Hazy sunshine. Gentle breeze. Sea temperature 16°, air temperature 21°, feels like 23°. UV level 4.
Nice Plage –Sunny intervals. Gentle breeze. Sea temperature 16°, air temperature 19°. UV level 4.
France is weighing its response after Algeria ordered 12 French embassy staff to leave the country within 48 hours, following the arrest of an Algeria...
Read More
Monaco has paid tribute to Josephine Baker on the 50th anniversary of her death, with a ceremony on Saturday April 12th at the Monaco cemetery where s...
Read More
Thundery showers and a gentle breeze, clearing by the afternoon with some sunny spells. Highs of 18 degrees in Nice, 16 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tr...
Read More
Christian Estrosi has confirmed a ban on cruise ships carrying over 900 passengers. In a social media post he said "starting July 1st, locals wouldn't...
Read More
The Champagne & Oyster Cycling Club of Monaco has named Zondacrypto, a leading European digital currency exchange, as the main partner for its 11th An...
Read More
