News
British tourists hospitalised after carbon monoxide poisoning in South-West France - Eight British tourists, including five children, were taken to hospital in the Dordogne after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning, reportedly caused by a wood-burning stove. The group had rented a holiday home in Carsac-de-Gurçon. After lighting a fire, a woman and a child began to feel unwell and were diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning at a nearby hospital. Emergency services later ventilated the property and transported the remaining six people for medical checks. The poisoning is believed to have resulted from the stove. France currently requires smoke detectors in all homes, but carbon monoxide alarms are not yet mandatory. A 2024 proposal to make them compulsory has not yet passed parliament.
Over 850 inspections in state-contract private schools, says French minister - France’s Education Minister Édouard Geffray has announced that more than 850 inspections have been carried out in France’s state-funded private schools following the Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram abuse scandal. He confirmed the government remains on track for 1,000 inspections by year’s end and aims to review 40% of such schools by 2027. The inspections are part of the “Brisons le silence” (“Break the Silence”) plan launched after reports of physical and sexual abuse in private institutions. Geffray defended both sectors, saying he trusted public education and that teaching standards “must be the same” in public and private schools.
Four teenagers held in Corsica over cruelty to cow and calf - Authorities in Corsica have opened an investigation after four teenagers were accused of killing a cow and its calf in Casalabriva, southern Corsica, while filming the acts and sharing the footage online. The suspects, aged 15 and 16, are alleged to have slit, skinned and shot the animals in July before posting videos on Snapchat. The images, described by investigators as “unbearable”, show the boys covered in blood and shouting as the calf circles them. The Ajaccio prosecutor’s office confirmed that the teenagers were taken into custody this week and that their phones have been seized. The investigation continues to determine each suspect’s role in the incident.
Motorcycle seized and 33 offences recorded in Fayence - A police operation in the Pays de Fayence area of south-east France led to 33 offences being recorded and one motorcycle seized. Carried out last Sunday by the Draguignan gendarmerie company, alongside the sub-prefect and forestry officers, the operation aimed to protect the Estérel massif from environmental damage and nuisance behaviour. In total, 18 offences involved unauthorised driving on fire service tracks, nine related to illegal parking in protected natural areas, and others included failure to obey officers and safety gear violations. Officials said such checks would continue to preserve the tranquillity of the massif and ensure respect for regulations.
Princess Charlene Supports Monaco’s Young Rugby Players in Georgia – HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco travelled to Georgia this week to encourage the Principality’s under-16 national rugby team during a training camp ahead of the Dubai International Rugby Sevens in November. Visiting the Georgian Rugby Union’s elite training centre in Martkopi, the Princess — President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation — was joined by her brother, Gareth Wittstock, Secretary-General of her foundation. During the trip, she attended a first aid training session for young athletes, organised with the Georgian Red Cross to promote life-saving skills. The Monaco U16 team marked the occasion with two further wins, bringing their camp record to four victories and two defeats.
Monaco to Host Second World Caviar Awards - Monaco will take centre stage in the world of luxury gastronomy on 6th November, as the Yacht Club de Monaco hosts the second edition of the World Caviar Awards. Producers and merchants from 20 countries — including Russia, Iran, France, Italy, China and the US — will compete in blind tastings judged by Michelin-starred chefs and culinary experts. Founded by caviar specialist Laurent Morin and held under the patronage of Princess Yasmine Murat, the event features two categories: producers who farm their own fish and merchants who refine and sell sourced caviar. Judges, including Pierre Casiraghi and top chefs such as Gérald Passedat and Pascal Garrigues, will score entries for texture, flavour and balance. The day will conclude with a caviar-themed gala dinner for 220 guests, celebrating the delicacy’s growing place in haute cuisine.
Heavy traffic expected across France for Toussaint weekend, warns Bison Futé - France’s national traffic watchdog, Bison Futé, has warned of difficult driving conditions over the Toussaint weekend as the autumn school holidays end. Roads across the country are expected to be busy from today through to Sunday, with many families returning home. Friday has been placed on orange alert nationwide for both departures and returns, particularly around Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and along major motorways including the A1, A7, and A10. Traffic is expected to ease on Saturday and Sunday, though congestion is still likely around the Paris region during the afternoon. Motorists are advised to travel early in the day or after 8pm to avoid the worst delays.
Sport
Tennis - British tennis player Cameron Norrie fell short in his attempt to reach the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters. The former Wimbledon semi-finalist was beaten in straight sets by Monaco's Valentin Vacherot. Norrie went into the match on the back of what he called a career-best victory over world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
Cycling - Mark Cavendish has praised Bradley Wiggins after the former winner of cycling's Tour de France opened up about his recent struggles. The record stage winner of the prestigious race was credited as being 'one of the few' that checked in on him during his darkest days.
Football - Ruben Amorim says he wants to remain as Manchester United manager for "many years" to come. It's approaching the first anniversary of his appointment at Old Trafford, with the club having won their last three consecutive Premier League games.
Business
Orlando Airport came close to cancelling all landings last night as the US government shutdown meant they nearly didn't have enough air traffic controllers. Staff have been working without pay for more than four weeks after Congress couldn't agree on a funding package for next year.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander is expected to bring up the issue of whisky tariffs during a meeting with the US ambassador in Edinburgh later. British firms are believed to be paying 4-million pounds a week in taxes when their spirits cross the American border.
A music company and AI group have settled a copyright lawsuit - and plan to work together on a new music platform. Universal Music Group and Udio's deal will mean users can no longer download songs they make using the AI technology.
Weather - Warm and bright across the Cote d'Azur this morning. Some cloud as the day goes on - staying dry for now though. Highs of 22 degrees in Nice, and lows tonight of 15.
Eight British tourists, including five children, were taken to hospital in the Dordogne after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning, reportedly caused b...
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Five suspects have been arrested after an armed robbery this afternoon in Lyon
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In Paris, left-wing and far-right MPs have joined forces to pass a new measure against tax optimisation by multinational corporations, during the firs...
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A ceremony took place in Nice this morning to mark the fifth anniversary of the attack at the Notre-Dame Basilica ...
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Income from fixed speed cameras in France fell by €76 million in 2024, dropping to €889 million from €965 million in 2023. The fall comes after many c...
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