News
Snow fall - Snow has fallen in our regions ski resorts, ahead of their upcoming opening on December the 7th. A white blanket covered Isola 2000, Valberg and Auron in the Alpes-Maritimes on Thursday, with some beautiful photos being posted on social media.
Meanwhile, the cold spell which hit most of France saw more than 200,000 people without electricity in the west of the country as well as travel difficulties, with major delays at Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle airport, where authorities asked airlines to cancel 10% of their flights.
Strong winds also caused avalanches in the Alps. In the Haute-Savoie the prefecture warned that the risk of avalanches stood at a 4 out of 5 risk on the Mont Blanc massif. Météo France also forecast severe overnight frost in places. Motorists are being warned to take extra care on this morning’s commute.
Thales Group under investigation - The UKs Serious Fraud Office and the French equivalent the Parquet National Financier are to pursue every avenue in allegations against Paris-based company Thales. A joint investigation is being launched into suspected bribery and corruption at the Thales Group which is a multinational aerospace and defence electronics contractor. The company, which is headquartered in Paris and has a UK subsidiary employing more than 7,000 staff, is known in defence circles for its varied businesses. Thales shares are listed in Paris, where the company is valued at more than €31bn.
Breil sur Roya without an insurer from next year - Following the news two weeks ago that the mayor of Breil-sur-Roya, which was badly hit by storm Alex in 2020, was scandalised to find that the town will find itself without an insurer from January 1st, 2025, the town's historic insurer has since explained its decision. Speaking to local media Patrick Blanchard CEO of SMACL assurances SA, said that the exposure of towns and villages to current climate risks is no longer "reasonable". The company, of which over 86% is owned by Maif, insures nearly half of the 946 municipalities in the PACA region and it now wants to reduce compensation paid in the case of a climate event. Today, Breil-sur-Roya has still not found an insurer to take over from SMACL, the mayor confirms that he has approach other organizations, but to no avail.
Unauthorised market - An unauthorised market in the Bon Voyage district of Nice is causing controversy. For years, the market, which is not authorised by local authorities, has been taking place several times a week. A somewhat unusual market as there are no stalls, but items are placed where possible on the pavement and railings. It must be said that you can find anything and everything there. Socks, sweaters, pants, jewellery, computers, TV screens, phones, toys, stuffed animals, tools, basic necessities, drinks and canned food. Many sellers don’t stay long for fear of being stopped by the police. Recently elected officials have announced the State must expel them, but local residents are divided in opinion with some in favour of the “lively atmosphere and the opportunity to find things at very cheap prices, while others are fed up with the noise, commotion and mess caused”.
New Moods is to return to Monaco - A show creator since 1879, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is preparing to reopen the most intimate of its concert halls, which from 2008 to 2011 showcased young talents from the local rock & folk scene. Moods, is to return becoming New Moods. The legendary venue will open its doors on December 5th on the Place du Casino, after an official inauguration on November 30th. On the program, live music, rock, folk, blues and DJ sets. A revival initiated by Stéphane Valeri, Deputy Chairman of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, continuing the development the Group's festive offering in the Principality, particularly during the off-season.
Monte Carlo Casino Abroad - For the first time, Monaco's Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) inaugurated a Casino de Monte-Carlo outside Monaco, aboard the luxury cruise ship Crystal Symphony on the 14th of November in Venice. The 110m² casino reflects Belle Époque elegance, mirroring Monaco's iconic style. A second casino is set to open on the 18th of December aboard the Crystal Serenity, with plans to expand the concept across Crystal Cruises' future ships.
Restaurant in Nice receives excellent ratings on Google - Finally, La Cantine de Mémé in Nice has received an excellent google rating with 4.9 out of 5. Located on Rue Longchamp the restaurant is praised for its originality, quality and friendliness ensuring its undeniable success in just two years of being in Nice. La Cantine de Mémé is in third place in The Fork's ranking of the 10 best restaurants in Nice. On the menu are seasonal products, 100% local, with a price range of between 30 to 50 euros. To adapt to demand, the restaurant, usually open from Tuesday to Saturday, now opens on Sundays.
Sport
Formula One - Lewis Hamilton has led George Russell to a Mercedes one-two in first practice at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. McLaren’s Lando Norris, still technically in the title fight, was third fastest, while championship leader Max Verstappen’s Red Bull was fifth behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Football – The Premier League returns this weekend. Kicking off with Leicester against Chelsea tomorrow lunch time at 1.30. Bournemouth then face Brighton, Arsenal are at home to Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa play Crystal Palace, Everton play Brentford, Fulham face Wolves, and Manchester City are at home to Tottenham. On Sunday Southampton play Liverpool and Ipswich face Manchester United.
Cricket - After originally being left off the shortlist it’s been announced that England’s fast bowler Jofra Archer will be in the Indian Premier League auction. All of England's centrally contracted players were permitted to enter the auction. Archer would become the 38th English player in the auction, joining white-ball captain Jos Buttler and 42-year-old James Anderson.
Business
A new measure of working 7 hours a year for free in order to finance old age in France, has been adopted by the French Senate France’s upper house of parliament. The measure comes following the examination of the social security budget which is under severe strain. The shock measure was adopted on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, by the Senate, and plans to bring in 2.5 billion euros each year. The government has however, said it was against the proposal "at this stage" but open to "reworking" it with social partners.
And - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is playing Father Christmas with a seasonally timed tax break amid growing frustrations about Canada's cost of living. The prime minister announced on Thursday a two-month limited-time break on sales tax on a set list of goods during the holiday season. The list includes Christmas trees, restaurant meals, toys, alcohol and sweets, among other things.
Weather
Mainly fine with clear skies. Strong winds. Highs of 16 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez. 15 degrees in Marseille. This evening going down to 10 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for the weekend, Saturday, sunny with a moderate breeze and highs of 15 degrees. Sunday, light rain gentle breeze and highs of 16 degrees.
Sunrise 07.33am
Sunset 04.58pm
Weather elsewhere
London 7° sunny intervals.
Paris 4° showers.
Dublin 6° sunny intervals.
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