French and Riviera News Monday 10th July 2023

News

Missing two-year-old - An investigation has been opened and a major search is still underway after the worrying disappearance of a two-year-old child in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence on Saturday. The boy reportedly managed to escape the attention of his grandparents while playing in the garden of their home in Le Vernet, north-east of Digne-les-Bains, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.  The mayor of Vernet assures that the inhabitants of the village saw Emile "going down the road". " According to the mayor, "about sixty volunteers from the village and also from the surrounding villages" are helping the police in the search. As the search continues and concern grows. "Anything is possible," sighs the mayor but according to him the possibility of a kidnapping is "improbable".

Jet skier found dead - A 42-year-old man has been found dead in the sea near the port of Hyères in the Var. A few hours earlier it was a yachtsman who had reported an unmanned jet ski adrift in the port alerting emergency services. Following a helicopter search the lifeless body was found. The exact circumstances remain to be determined. The maritime prefecture has reminded the public that “before any sea trip, it is advisable to check the weather forecast in the area, inform those close to you of your activity and not overestimate your means and capacities” adding that "the practice of jet-skiing is a risky activity which requires a permit and the wearing of a life jacket”.

40-year-old killed in road accident - A 40-year-old motorcyclist has been killed in an accident in the Var. The accident occurred at around 9.15pm on Sunday evening in the town of Cogolin when the bike collided with a car on Rue Carnot. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances.

Ban on fireworks - France has banned the sale, possession and transport of all fireworks during the upcoming Bastille Day festivities. The government issued a decree on Sunday. The move comes after rioting sparked by last month's police killing of 17-year-old Nahel M by police in Nanterre. However, the ban does not apply to official firework displays organised by local authorities.

Clean air stickers for British motorists - British drivers heading to France are being reminded that they will need to display a clean air sticker – called a Crit’Air vignette – if they plan to drive into several French cities. Similar to the clean air and ultra-low emission zones that have sprung up in the UK, the French have at least 12 zones, including Paris, Rouen, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Montpellier, Lyon, Grenoble, Nice and Marseille, with more being added all the time, where you risk a fine if you don’t display one. The stickers are relatively easy and cheap to obtain. UK drivers should log on to the official website Certificat-air.gouv.fr to apply. Beware: there are a number of fake websites that will try to charge you more.

Catherine Deneuve is to play Bernadette Chirac - French actress Catherine Deneuve is to portray Bernadette Chirac in her latest film released later this year. Bernadette was considered to be the first French president’s wife to come out of the shadows and make her own political splash. The comedy is said to be based on real events during the Chiracs’ time at the Élysée between 1995 and 2007. 79-year-old Deneuve describes her role as “the story of a woman who emerges from her mould and acquires strength and freedom over time” adding that “It was never a question of copying her, but of taking inspiration from her”.

Business

A top US senator has called on an investigation by regulators into the energy drink Prime Energy. The drink, which is promoted by high-profile YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul, reportedly contains 200mg of caffeine per can, which is almost twice the amount in rival energy drink Red Bull. The investigation is looking into claims that the drink is being marketed to children despite its high caffeine content. Each drink carries a warning stating that it is not recommended for children under the age of 18.

The Empire Cinema chain in the UK has entered administration, leading to the loss of 150 jobs and the closure of six cinemas. The administrators say they are seeking a buyer and have blamed the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and the cost of living crisis for the closures.

France’s Minister of the Economy says he has "good hope that Elon Musk will make an investment in France", with "several options on the table". Speaking to LCI on Sunday Bruno Le Maire said there were “several options on the table and that it is Elon Musk who will decide and he knows that he is welcome in France".

According to a survey carried out by the CSA institute for the company Cofidis, 60% of French are planning to go away this summer compared to 63% last year. The average budget per household is up more than 300 euros at 1,986 euros compared to 1,614 euros in 2022. In terms of transport, it is the train that is winning the hearts of holidaymakers with the SNCF announcing that it has already sold 500,000 more tickets this summer compared to last year, an increase of 10%.  To allow more French people to travel at low prices, the Minister of Transport Clément Beaune also announced on Friday that the company was selling 200,000 tickets at 19 euros for Intercity journeys, i.e., the main lines excluding TGV. Tickets that can be purchased until July 15th for journeys until August 31. As far as the number of reservations, the survey showed, that it’s the coastline of Brittany which is gaining ground amongst the French with an increase in visitors. The Côte d’Azur appears less popular for the French compared to other years, with many siting that it’s “too hot, too expensive and too frequented by an international clientele”.

Sport

Tennis - Novak Djokovic needs just one set to reach the quarterfinals of Wimbledon after a thrilling match with Hubert Hurkacz could not be completed in time on Sunday night. When the match resumes today, Djokovic will have a 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (8-6) lead.

Formula One - Max Verstappen has won the British Grand Prix for Red Bull. McLaren's Lando Norris finishes the 52-lap race in second and Lewis Hamilton brings his Mercedes home in third.

Cricket - England have kept their Ashes dream alive with a three-wicket win over Australia at Headingley. Harry Brook was the hero as he scored 75 but it was up to Chris Woakes and Mark Wood to get England over the line. Australia lead the series 2-1 with two Tests remaining.

Cycling - Michael Woods claimed a breakaway victory on stage nine of the Tour de France.

Football - Paris St-Germain have signed 27-year-old defender Lucas Hernandez from Bayern Munich for a reported £34 million.

Weather

Fine and sunny with a gentle breeze, highs of 30 degrees in Nice and Monaco. 31 degrees in Cannes with light winds. 32 degrees in Toulon and 29 degrees in Saint Tropez. An orange heatwave alert is in place until tomorrow, Tuesday 11th July.

This evening going down to 22 degrees with clear skies. The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday - the heat wave alert is expected to be lifted tomorrow. Remaining fine and sunny on Wednesday, with highs of 29-30 degrees.

Sunrise 05.57am

Sunset 09.13pm

Beach weather forecast

Nice – Sea temperature is 26 degrees. Air temperature is 29 degrees. UV level is 10.

Toulon – Sea temperature is 22 degrees. Air temperature is 30 degrees. UV level is 10.

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