News
Man arrested after threatening police officers - A man in his twenties has been arrested at the weekend after threatening police officers with a knife near the Cannes police station. The incident occurred on Saturday in the same location where four officers were previously attacked in November 2021. The man was quickly stopped and taken into custody. The man, who had an order to leave French territory after a recent conviction, had expressed suicidal intentions and claimed to have acted on the instructions of a "voice." Following a psychiatric evaluation, he was recommended for involuntary hospitalization due to his mental health condition. An investigation into "attempted murder of a person in a position of public authority" has been opened, and the man will face court proceedings when his health permits. This individual had been arrested just days earlier for damaging a police vehicle and had a criminal record, including offenses for aggravated theft. The mayor of Cannes, David Lisnard, questioned whether the man would be deemed irresponsible by the courts.
Young rugby player from the Var suffers cardiac arrest – In other news, a 15-year-old rugby player from the Var region has suffered a cardiac arrest following a collision during a match in Corsica on Sunday, March 16th, 2025. The player, who is registered with Rugby Club Toulonnais (RCT), Brignoles Provence XV, and Rugby Saint-Maximinois XV, lost consciousness after a knee to the head while attempting to tackle an opposing player during a game against Bastia XV. First aid was provided at the scene before the arrival of firefighters, and the teenager was then taken to Bastia hospital. The player's family is expected to provide an update on his condition soon. Meanwhile, a psychological support unit has been set up for his teammates and staff upon their return to Toulon.
Investigation opened after tragic death of teenager - An investigation has been opened following the tragic death of a young girl, believed to be around 15 years old, who was fatally struck by a train at Golfe-Juan station on March 13th, 2025. The victim, a student at Vallauris Middle School, was reportedly seen by a local resident placing her backpack on the platform before throwing herself under the train. Initial confusion led to the belief that the victim was an adult woman, but it was later confirmed that she was a minor. The Grasse prosecutor's office is now investigating the incident, with the theory of suicide being considered. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the national suicide prevention helpline at 3114. The line is open 24/7, confidential and free.
Book written by Pétain fails to attract a buyer - A book written by Philippe Pétain in the 1920s has failed to attract a buyer. The work was auctioned in Nice on March 11th, 2025, but despite its historical value, it failed to attract a buyer. The manuscript, a military analysis of the First World War, was valued at between €80,000 and €150,000. However, the sole bidder withdrew their offer a few hours later, resulting in a disappointing flop for its owner. Experts had expected high interest, given Petain’s role as a war professor, but the auction ended without any successful sale. The book, offering a unique perspective on the First World War, was anticipated to fetch much higher bids.
Gala raises more than 100,000 euros - HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene have attended the Provale Solidarité charity gala where more than 100,000 euros were raised to support rugby players facing difficulties. The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, gathered nearly 300 guests, including prominent figures from the rugby world. Princess Charlene, as the President of the Monaco Rugby Federation, granted her high patronage to the event, highlighting her deep commitment to rugby and its core values of solidarity and self-improvement. Provale, the French union of professional rugby players, organizes such events to defend the rights of players and provide support during times of doubt, injuries, and career transitions. The evening featured an auction of rugby jerseys, signed memorabilia, and unique artwork, with proceeds going to Provale’s mission.
Carlton Cannes receives award - The Carlton Hotel in Cannes has been awarded five stars by Forbes for 2025, recognizing its exceptional service. A symbol of luxury on the French Riviera, the hotel has long been a favourite of famous guests, especially during the International Film Festival. The award from the Forbes Travel Guide, which rates luxury establishments worldwide, follows years of renovations and a revamped look unveiled in 2023. The Carlton expressed pride in the award, calling it a "great honour" and a motivation to continue offering extraordinary experiences for guests. Built in 1911 on the Boulevard de la Croisette, the hotel remains a landmark of the Côte d'Azur.
99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant opens in Monaco - Meanwhile, the internationally acclaimed 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant has officially opened in Monaco, in the newly developed Mareterra district. Known for its excellence in Japanese haute cuisine, the restaurant has seen great success in Spain, Morocco and beyond. Famous for its high-quality ingredients and expert preparation, 99 Sushi offers a refined menu. The brand prides itself on sustainable sourcing, especially for bluefin tuna. The Monaco opening marks a significant milestone for the brand, which already operates in cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Dubai. Initial reviews have been very positive, with many customers praising the high-end service, refined atmosphere, and exceptional quality of the dishes. The restaurant currently holds a strong rating on Google.
Business
French Prime Minister François Bayrou has rejected the idea of lowering France's basic retirement age back to 62, narrowing options for unions and employers negotiating changes to the unpopular pension reform. Bayrou, leading a fragile minority government has agreed to reopen discussions on the 2023 reform, including the controversial plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, in order to gain support from the opposition Socialists in parliament.
According to official figures despite initially expected to grow, the UK economy shrank in January 2025. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a 0.1% decline in output, following December's 0.4% growth. Economists had predicted a 0.1% rise, but the ONS highlighted a slump in manufacturing output. The decline was driven by slowdowns in manufacturing, oil and gas extraction, and construction, though services grew, particularly in retail, with strong sales in food stores as more people ate and drank at home.
And - US President Donald Trump has signed an order to reduce funding for the federally funded news organization Voice of America, accusing it of being "anti-Trump" and "radical." The White House stated the order would stop taxpayers from funding "radical propaganda" and included criticism from right-wing media and politicians. VOA, originally established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, now reaches millions globally each week. Its director, announced that he and most of the staff, totalling 1,300 people, had been placed on paid leave.
Sport
Football - Newcastle United have secured their first domestic trophy in 70 years, winning the League Cup with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Wembley. Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak put Newcastle on course for the win. Newcastle achieved their first major silverware since 1969, and their first domestic win since the 1955 FA Cup.
Meanwhile, in the Premier League on Sunday Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0, Fulham won 2-0 at home against Tottenham and Leicester lost 3-0 at home to Manchester United.
Cycling - Matteo Jorgenson has secured his second consecutive Paris-Nice victory on Sunday. The 25-year-old American, retained his yellow jersey after finishing second in the final stage, which took place in his hometown. Jorgenson dropped his main rivals on the penultimate climb, the Col d'Eze, and finished just behind his compatriot Magnus Sheffield (INEOS), who won the stage.
Despite not winning an individual stage, Jorgenson's consistent performance, including a win in the team time trial, earned him the overall victory. He is now the third rider in the 21st century to win Paris-Nice in back-to-back years.
Tennis - Britain's Jack Draper claimed the biggest title of his career with an assured win over Denmark's Holger Rune in the Indian Wells final.Draper, 23, was dominant from the start as he brushed aside world number 13 Rune 6-2 6-2. Lifting his first trophy at an ATP Masters event - the tier below the four Grand Slam tournaments - capped a landmark weekend for the British number one.
Rugby Union – ‘Fantastic’ France were the well-deserved Six Nations winners at the weekend. Beating Scotland 35-16. Gregor Townsend remains optimistic about Scotland's future as head coach, but former international team-mate Peter Wright believes "it's time for a change" after eight years in charge. A defeat by France in Paris left Scotland in fourth place for the second consecutive Six Nations season. This year’s tournament saw wins over Italy and Wales but losses to Ireland, England, and France. Irland were third with a 22-17 win over Italy and England second beating Wales 68-14.
Formula One - Lando Norris triumphed in a dramatic Australian Grand Prix, mastering changing conditions to beat Max Verstappen. Norris and his McLaren team made key decisions in a race marked by crashes, three safety cars, and an aborted start. Lewis Hamilton, in his Ferrari debut, finished 10th, while George Russell took third for Mercedes.
Cricket - New Zealand crushed Pakistan by nine wickets in the opening T20 of the series in Christchurch. Pakistan was bowled out for just 91 at Hagley Oval, their lowest T20 score in New Zealand. The hosts chased down the target in just 9.5 overs.
Weather
Fine and sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 13 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez, 14 degrees in Nice and Antibes. 15 degrees in Cannes. This evening going down to 8 degrees along the coast.
The outlook for Tuesday. Mainly fine with some cloudy patches and strong winds. Highs of 15 degrees. Wednesday sunny with strong winds continuing in the Var region and highs of 14 degrees.
Sunrise 06.38am
Sunset 06.39pm
Weather elsewhere
London 9° light cloud.
Dublin 8° light cloud
Paris 12° sunny
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