News
Demonstrations against immigration law - Demonstrators have gathered in Nice and Cannes to march against the new immigration law. Two anti-immigration law protests were organised on Sunday afternoon with demands for the French President to abandon what protestor consider to be a new “shameful” law. Protests also took place in Toulon and Draguignan as well as the French capital and other major cities across France.
Snowshoe hiker missing in Isola 2000 - A snow-shoe hiker has been reported missing in the ski resort of Isola 2000. A major search party was launched on Sunday evening after the girls’ family raised the alarm. Fifteen people of the Alpes-Maritimes rescue organisation were deployed in the area along with a helicopter. The search was still underway after 10pm on Sunday. Anyone who may have any information can contact 04.97.22.22.22.
New helpline in fight against school bullying - A new helpline for victims of school bullying has been activated in Monaco. The princely government is continuing its fight against school bullying by activating a helpline for victims of school bullying. The line has been created in partnership with the Association for Assistance to Victims of Criminal Offenses. 98.98.96.96 operates 24/7 and is aimed to help victims but also witnesses of school bullying and parents.
SBM “valuable investment” ahead of 2030 winter Olympic games - The deputy chairman of the Société des Bains de Mer Stéphane Valeri has announced his delight that Courchevel is to host the 2030 Winter Olympic Games. Last October, SBM officially became the owner of a luxury hotel in the heart of the Courchevel ski resort in the Savoie. Described as an “invaluable investment”, Valeri has announced that “renovation work next spring will see the hotel ready for the winter season of 2026”.
Train tickets to go on sale for the spring holiday’s - Train tickets for the spring holidays and May bank holidays, are to go on sale this Wednesday January 24th. The SNCF has announced that it will be possible to reserve tickets for trips up to May 22nd, for TGV, Inoui and Intercités and until July 5th for Ouigo trains. After recording new records in the number of passengers in 2023, the SNCF is facing a lack of trains to meet the increase in demand and has therefore advised passengers to book as early as possible to guarantee a place.
Business
France’s Finance minister Bruno Le Maire has announced an increase of 9.8% in electricity prices on peak and off-peak rates and a 8.6% increase on basic rates. This means, according to the minister that, “for a household with two children in a detached house that heats with electricity, this corresponds to an increase of 18 euros on average per month”. Bruno Le Maire justified the decision claiming that the “move is to protect France’s public finances in case of another pandemic or economic crisis” adding that in the long run “French employees and businesses will be thankful that the government is able to protect them”. Bruno Le Maire had promised that the increase would not exceed 10%. As early as last September, the government announced its intention to gradually reduce the price shield on electricity which has been in place since 2022.
Banks in France are reducing the number of cash machines due to high operating costs. ATMs are disappearing one after the other as they have become too expensive for banks, which have since come up with a new system. BNP Paribas, Société Générale and Crédit Mutuel-CIC are currently carrying out a project to group their ATMs together. This means that if you are a customer of one of these banks, it will now be possible to go to any of the new ATMs called "Cash Services". In the 1990s France was the country with the most cash machines, however by 2026, 7,000 new “Cash Services” distributors plan to be made available.
Sport
Football – “No Salah, no problem” is the headline for Liverpool this Monday morning after they beat Bournemouth in the Premier League 4-0 last night. After a slow first half, the Reds went on to run riot giving a more than comfortable win for Klopp who will be pleased with his side’s performance after the break.
This evening in the Premier League Brighton are at home to Wolves kick off is at 8.45pm French time.
And in the French Cup holders Toulouse have been knocked out by third-tier Rouen in a dramatic penalty shootout. That shootout drama came after a 3-3 draw in Rouen. Toulouse had been moments away from going out in normal time.
Cricket - Yorkshire batter Harry Brook is to fly home from England's tour of India for personal reasons. Brook was expected to play in England’s opening match on Thursday but has left the squad with immediate effect. Surrey's Dan Lawrence has been named as his replacement, but Brook could return later in the five-match series.
Golf – 34-year-old Rory McIlroy has defended his title at the Dubai Desert Classic, by one shot. The Northern Irishman won the tournament for a record fourth time.
Weather
Sunny with a moderate breeze in Nice and Monaco. Highs of 12 degrees in Nice and Saint-Paul de Vence, 11 degrees in Monaco, 14 degrees in Hyeres with windy conditions. 15 degrees in Saint-Tropez with a fresh breeze. This evening going down to 7 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday, remaining fine with strong winds in the Var. Highs of 14-15 degrees.
Sunrise 07.57am
Sunset 05.27pm
To ensure public safety during New Year's celebrations, authorities have banned fireworks, retail fuel sales in portable containers, and public alcoho...
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The Var department is under a fine particle pollution alert (level 1) for Tuesday, the 31st of December. ...
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New Year celebrations along the Riviera will include fireworks, dancing and live music. In the Alpes-Maritimes, several cities are organizing shows an...
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The 1st of January will see several changes introduced in France, as with the first of every month. From Wednesday 1st January those who benefit from ...
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Recently appointed French Prime Minister François Bayrou will make his first visit as Prime Minister to Mayotte today, Monday 30th December. ...
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