French and Riviera News Monday 15th September 2025

News

France braces for major strike this Thursday, the 18th of September France is bracing itself for major strike action this week. This Thursday the 18th of September, schools may close, transport workers will strike, causing many delays and possible cancellations. Air France staff will also join the movement, though air traffic controllers have postponed their action. Mass protests are planned across cities including Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse, following last week’s “Block Everything” demonstrations. Farmers plan a protest on the 26th of September, and business leaders have warned the French government that they may also take action if taxes rise.

Cannes: Man steals fake luxury watch – In other news, in Cannes, a thief who snatched, what he thought was an expensive luxury watch at the weekend, has been left disappointed after it was revealed to be a €200 imitation. Police are searching for the suspect.

Man seriously injured after falling from bridge in Sillans-la-Cascade – Meanwhile, a man in his sixties has fallen 6 metres from the bridge in Sillans la Cascade. The incident occurred on Sunday evening. Rescue teams airlifted him to hospital with serious injuries. An investigation into the exact circumstances is underway.

Two triathletes airlifted during IronMan Nice – On Sunday, two competitors of the Ironman were evacuated by helicopter, one for a suspected heart issue and the other for a facial injury. Both have been hospitalised in Nice.

Hunting season opens in Var – And, about 13,000 hunters have reported present as the season opened in the Var on Sunday. Safety rules include wearing high-visibility vests in order to be able to share forest areas with both hikers and cyclists.

Monaco opens applications for new state flats – From today Monday 15th of September, Monegasque citizens can apply online or in person for apartments, including in the recently completed Hemera A residence. The deadline for all applications is 5pm on Friday the 10th of October. Support is available for online applications.

Free bus travel in Monaco during major events – Also in Monaco, from this Friday the 19th of September to the 1st of October, buses will be free during the Monaco Yacht Show, with free travel continuing for upcoming events like the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and Formula 1 Grand Prix. Additional buses will run to ease congestion.

Business

U.S. and Chinese officials are holding a second day of trade talks in Spain, as the deadline for TikTok’s Chinese owner to find a U.S. buyer approaches. The talks aim to ease tensions and extend the current tariff truce, set to expire in November. Trump, who once pushed to ban TikTok, has delayed action three times and hinted a fourth extension is likely. 

Meanwhile, the UK and US are set to sign a major agreement to boost nuclear energy development, expected to create thousands of jobs and attract billions in investment. Signed during President Trump’s state visit, the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy will fast-track nuclear projects, cutting approval times in half.

And - France is set to harvest a record 8.3 million tonnes of potatoes in 2025, doubling its output in 30 years, fuelled by booming global demand for frozen fries, especially from Belgium. However, experts warn of a potential oversupply that could crash prices. Meanwhile, starch potato farming continues to decline sharply, with only one processing plant left in France.

Sports roundup

Boxing - British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46. The former world champion, known as "The Hitman," rose from a Hyde council estate to global stardom. A proud Mancunian, Hatton fulfilled his childhood dreams: boxing glory, supporting City, and befriending Oasis, Noel and Liam Gallagher famously carried his belts into the ring. Outside the ring, Hatton battled mental health and addiction but remained a beloved figure and later became a trainer and promoter. Tributes are pouring in for one of British boxing’s most cherished personalities. There was only one Ricky Hatton.

Cycling - The final stage of the Vuelta a España has had to be abandoned after pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the race route in Madrid. Jonas Vingegaard was declared the winner, securing his first Vuelta title. Britain's Tom Pidcock finished third. There was no podium ceremony, and clashes broke out between protesters and police. The disruption follows ongoing protests against the Israel-Premier Tech team amid the Gaza conflict.

Football – Thanks to a last-minute penalty Liverpool managed to beat Burnley 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday in other action Manchester City beat Manchester United 3-0.

Weather

Some cloudy patches to start with, clearing by this afternoon, with sunny skies and a gentle breeze. Highs of 25 degrees in Monaco and Nice, 27 degrees in Cannes and 28 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 19 degrees with clear skies.

The outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with sunny intervals. Strong winds are forecast for the Var region. Highs of 27 degrees.

Sunrise 07.09am              Sunset 07.40pm

And finally
A recent study has revealed that  80% of professionals feel anxious on Sunday evenings, rising to 90% among Millennials and Gen Z. Psychologists advise planning fun activities, exercising, relaxing, getting enough sleep, finishing work early, starting Mondays gently, making to-do lists, and switching off from emails at weekends to reduce stress and protect your weekend.

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