News
Protest against decision to name square after former President Nicolas Sarkozy - Protesters have gathered outside Nice’s city hall to oppose Mayor Christian Estrosi’s plan to name the new police headquarters square after former President Nicolas Sarkozy. More than 300 people voiced outrage on Thursday, citing Sarkozy’s recent convictions and calling the tribute inappropriate. Demonstrators chanted “Estrosi, Sarkozy, Basta Così!” and urged continued activism ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.
Large real estate project near Nice approved despite warnings - The request to cancel the building permit for a major development in the bay of Villeneuve-Loubet has been rejected by the courts. The project, called “Cœur Marina,” will be built within the Marina Baie des Anges port area. It includes a 4-star hotel with 61 rooms, a spa, and a harbour base.
Train services - Train services between Menton and Ventimiglia will be heavily disrupted today, Friday 3rd October, due to a strike in Italy. Passengers should expect delays and plan accordingly.
Wearing a helmet on an e-scooter to become mandatory – Meanwhile, from November, wearing a helmet will be mandatory for e-scooter riders in Nice. Mayor Christian Estrosi announced the move after a sharp rise in serious accidents, with 110 people requiring surgery this year alone. The city has ramped up police checks and may extend helmet rules to e-bikes as well.
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco attends summit - HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has joined European leaders at a royal dinner in Copenhagen, hosted by Denmark’s King Frederik and Queen Mary during the European Political Community Summit. The event gathered nearly 50 heads of state to promote unity and cooperation across Europe. Prince Albert’s presence highlighted Monaco’s active role in tackling key issues such as climate change, security, and financial stability.
Storm Humberto – Finally, storm Humberto, with winds of over 250 km/h, is set to hit Europe this weekend after weakening from a Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic. Now a post-tropical system, it’s expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain, especially to the UK and Ireland today. While the Côte d’Azur and southeastern France may feel some effects, weather experts predict the Mediterranean region will mostly avoid severe impacts, with more disturbed weather likely in northern and western France.
Business
Tens of thousands marched across France on Thursday, as unions protested against planned spending cuts in next year’s budget. Union leaders want more funding for public services, a rollback of pension reforms, and higher taxes on the wealthy. Protests took place in over 240 cities, though turnout was lower than last month’s strike day.
Champagne producers say grape quality has improved this year thanks to favourable weather. The news is welcome amid falling demand. Harvest limits were cut by 10% to manage declining sales, driven by global financial concerns and reduced alcohol consumption.
Sport
Formula One - Formula 1’s Singapore Grand Prix has been declared a “heat hazard” for the first time under new FIA rules. With temps over 31°C and high humidity, drivers may wear cooling vests. They're optional, but all teams must fit the system to avoid weight advantages.
Football - The Premier League may ditch its Profit and Sustainability Rules, with a decision expected in November. A new model could let clubs spend up to 85% of revenue on squads, aligning with UEFA rules. Critics say the current system limits investment; change could come next season.
Golf – The boss of PGA of America Derek Sprague, says the abuse towards Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup “crossed the line.” McIlroy faced heckling, and his wife was hit by a drink thrown by a fan. McIlroy called the behaviour “unacceptable” but said Europe let their golf do the talking.
Weather
Sunny intervals with a gentle breeze. Highs of 20 degrees in Monaco,21 degrees in Nice, 23 degrees in Cannes and Toulon, 25 degrees in Saint-Tropez. Tonight, going down to 15 degrees. The outlook for the weekend, Saturday, clearer skies with some passing cloud, highs of 25 degrees, with moderate to strong winds by the afternoon in the Var region. Sunday, strong winds across the Côte d’Azur, clear skies and highs of 27 degrees forecast for Saint-Tropez.
Sunrise 07.30am Sunset 07.07pm
Storm Benjamin swept across France on Thursday, battering much of the country with winds exceeding 160 km/h and leaving one person dead in Corsica. By...
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The Var and the Alpes-Maritimes are on Meteo France alerts for high winds until eight o’clock this evening as Storm Benjamin passes through our region...
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France is preparing for severe weather as Storm Benjamin sweeps in from the British Isles, bringing violent winds, heavy rain and powerful coastal wav...
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Storm Benjamin is on the way. It’s expected that the Atlantic coast and parts of north-west France will be worst affected, but Meteo France have yello...
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Dozens of left-wing activists have marched through Nice, protesting plans to name a public square after former president Nicolas Sarkozy, the march oc...
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