News
Runner, 27, dies just metres from the finish line of the Nice–Cannes Marathon - A 27-year-old runner from Alsace has died after collapsing just 100 metres from the finish line of the Nice–Cannes Marathon on Sunday, 9 November 2025. The race, which began in Nice at 8 a.m. and attracted more than 21,000 participants, was struck by tragedy around midday when the young man suffered a cardiac arrest near la Croisette in Cannes. Despite swift intervention and attempts at resuscitation by emergency services, he could not be revived. Cannes mayor David Lisnard expressed his condolences on Facebook, writing: “Heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones.” According to Pascal Thiriot of Azur Sport Organisation, the event’s organiser, the runner had trained for the marathon for a year and was supported on the day by his wife. “He was a regular runner and well prepared,” Thiriot said, visibly moved. This is the second fatal incident in the history of the Nice–Cannes Marathon; a relay participant also died on the course ten years ago.
Major Fire in Nice Sends Smoke Billowing Across the City - A major fire broke out in Nice on Sunday afternoon, 9 November 2025, with thick smoke visible for miles around. The blaze started on the roof of a detached house on Boulevard Stephen-Liégeard, near the Villa Arson art school. Firefighters from the Alpes-Maritimes fire and rescue service (Sdis 06) quickly arrived on the scene to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties. In total, 21 firefighters were mobilised to tackle the blaze. No injuries have been reported so far, and an investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the fire. Photos from the scene show dense plumes of smoke rising above the northern districts of Nice, visible from several parts of the city.
France moves toward new healthcare fee for foreigners on ‘Visitor’ Visas - French MPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of introducing a new mandatory healthcare charge for non-EU nationals living in France on long-stay ‘visitor’ visas — a move that would notably affect American retirees. The amendment, backed on Saturday as part of the draft 2026 Social Security Budget, proposes a minimum contribution for access to France’s public healthcare system. The exact amount has yet to be set and will be defined later by government decree. François Gernigon, the centrist Horizons MP who tabled the amendment, said it was intended to ensure fairness among foreigners benefiting from the French healthcare system. “It concerns retired Americans living in France who have not worked here,” he explained. At present, people entering France on a visitor visa must show proof of private health insurance but can apply to join the public system after three months of residence. Some are charged an annual health contribution (the cotisation subsidiaire maladie or CSM), though enforcement has been inconsistent — particularly for American retirees. The amendment passed with 176 votes in favour and 79 against, supported by centrist, right-wing and far-right MPs. Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National also backed the measure, arguing that French taxpayers should not “pay for the healthcare of citizens from all over the world”. Left-wing MPs strongly opposed the proposal. Hadrien Clouet of La France Insoumise called it “utterly absurd”, noting that it unfairly targets legal residents. The measure still faces scrutiny in the Senate and could be amended or rejected when the full 2026 Social Security Budget is debated in parliament.
Nice court orders mayor to reconsider Airbnb rental refusal - The administrative court of Nice has ruled that Mayor Christian Estrosi wrongly refused a homeowner’s request to rent out a property in Old Nice on Airbnb. The court has issued an injunction requiring the mayor to re-examine the application by 25 November 2025. The case concerns a landlord who had sought permission to convert his residence into “furnished tourist accommodation”, a legal requirement in Nice for short-term rentals on platforms such as Airbnb and Abritel. The town hall had rejected the request, citing local regulations aimed at curbing overtourism and protecting long-term housing availability in the historic district. However, the court found that the refusal was not sufficiently justified under the current rules. The decision marks a setback for the municipality’s strict stance on short-term lets, which have been tightly controlled in Nice in recent years. The city must now review the owner’s file and issue a new decision before the court’s deadline.
Prince Albert II of Monaco visits South America and addresses COP30 in Brazil – HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has completed a five-day visit to South America, combining his first official state visit to Paraguay with a stop in Brazil to attend the COP30 climate summit in Belém. In Asunción, the Prince was welcomed with full honours by President Santiago Peña. During the visit he paid tribute at the National Pantheon of Heroes, met with local business and political leaders, and toured the Itaipu hydroelectric dam and the Jesuit Missions of Jesús de Tavarangüé and Santísima Trinidad, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. At COP30, Prince Albert delivered two speeches highlighting Monaco’s commitment to international climate action and reaffirming its target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. He also emphasised the need for greater cooperation between developed nations and the Global South on ocean and forest conservation. The visit strengthened diplomatic and environmental ties between Monaco and Latin America, reflecting the Principality’s growing role in sustainability and global climate diplomacy.
Louis Sarkozy wins big at Menton charity lotto – then gives the prize away - Louis Sarkozy, son of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, caused a stir at a charity lotto event in Menton on Saturday evening, 8 November 2025 — not for winning, but for giving his prize back. The 25th annual lotto, organised by the Lions Club of Menton at the Palais de l’Europe, drew a record 850 participants. As the evening progressed and prizes were called, Sarkozy’s name came up for the second major prize, a scooter, just after a car had been won. When his winning ticket was confirmed, the current candidate for mayor of Menton took the microphone and announced: “I’d like to put the scooter back into play!” His gesture was met with applause from the crowd. The scooter was subsequently won by another player, while proceeds from the evening will go towards supporting the paediatric oncology unit at Nice’s L’Archet Hospital, as well as local charities and individuals in need.
Nice’s Hôtel du Couvent named one of the World’s most beautiful hotels - Just one year after opening its doors, the Hôtel du Couvent in Old Nice has been ranked among The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025, earning an impressive 27th place. Opened in June 2024 after two years of meticulous restoration, the hotel occupies the former 17th-century Convent of the Visitation. Surrounded by 10,000 square metres of gardens filled with lime, olive, lemon and orange trees, the 88-room property offers a tranquil retreat designed in a refined, monastic style. Hotel manager Pierre-Marie Ragon described the accolade as “an immense honour and pride,” adding that the recognition “crowns our very first year of opening.” The Rosewood in Hong Kong topped this year’s list, while the Hôtel de Paris in Monte-Carlo also featured, at number 36. The Hôtel du Couvent has also been shortlisted for the 2025 Prix Versailles, an international architecture and design award that celebrates outstanding hospitality projects. It is one of only two French hotels nominated this year, alongside the Hôtel Hana in Paris. Praised by the Prix Versailles jury for its “timeless character” and restoration “in its original essence with natural materials,” the hotel evokes the calm rhythms of monastic life, with its restaurant set in the former refectory and its bakery and herbarium restored to their historic locations. The global winners of the Prix Versailles will be announced on 4 December 2025 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
A 27-year-old runner from Alsace has died after collapsing just 100 metres from the finish line of the Nice–Cannes Marathon on Sunday, 9 November 2025...
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The man who allegedly drove his car into pedestrians on the Ile d’Oleron has said that he regrets his actions, according to the local prosecutor....
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Time is running out for the marine animals at Marineland in Antibes. On Thursday, 6 November 2025, France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Mathie...
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A highly critical report into the operation of border facilities for migrants in Menton has been released today. Inspectors carried out an unannounced...
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A 35-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after deliberately driving into pedestrians and cyclists on the island of Oléron, off France’s western coa...
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