News
Severe flooding in the Var - Heavy storms have hit the Var region on Sunday night, triggering flash floods and major disruptions. Over 160 firefighters carried out 165 interventions. 15,000 homes have been left without power and the Toulon tunnel and train station were closed.
Study to raise A8 motorway and improve flood safety – Meanwhile, the mayor of Biot and Escota (Vinci Autoroutes) will soon start a study to raise the A8 motorway and build a structure underneath to better manage floodwaters. This project will be part of the 2032 motorway contract. After years of flooding issues, the major upgrade aims to provide a lasting solution to protect Biot and the surrounding area.
French Prime Minister to form a government - In other news, France’s new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, is set to continue efforts to form a government this week. Holding talks with opposition leaders, unions, and business groups. A preliminary deal must be in place before his address to parliament on October 2nd, but unions have set an ultimatum for Wednesday.
SBM begins renovation of 5-Star Hotel in Courchevel - The Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) of Monaco has officially launched renovation work on a 5-star hotel in Courchevel. The former Palace des Neiges, purchased in 2023, will be transformed into the Monte-Carlo One Courchevel, expanding from 7,500 m² to over 12,500 m². Opening is planned for late 2027.
New cruises - Star Clippers has launched new eco-friendly sailing cruises from the port of Nice to Corsica and Italy, with weekly departures every Saturday until the end of October. Unlike large cruise ships, these smaller vessels rely mainly on wind power and aim to reduce environmental impact. The initiative aligns with local efforts to limit mass tourism, following a (now suspended) decree banning large cruise ships from Nice's port.
Business
Bernard Arnault, head of luxury giant LVMH and Europe’s richest man, has slammed a proposed 2% wealth tax in France, warning it would be "deadly" for the country’s economy. In a statement to The Sunday Times, Arnault said the measure, which could cost him over €1 billion, "aims to destroy the liberal economy, the only one that works for the good of all." The proposed tax targets total assets, sparking fierce debate in France over how to address inequality without stifling investment and growth.
And – US President Donald Trump says Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, Oracle’s Larry Ellison, and Michael Dell are likely part of a group buying TikTok’s U.S. operations. The sale is required by a 2024 law over data security concerns. The White House says a deal could close soon, while China welcomes negotiations.
Sport
Rugby - England beat France to reach their seventh straight Women’s Rugby World Cup final. England will face Canada in the final at a sold-out Twickenham next Saturday.
Formula One - Lando Norris cut Oscar Piastri’s title lead to 25 points after finishing seventh in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Piastri crashed out on the opening lap.
Football – In the Premier League on Sunday Arsenal drew 1-1 against Manchester City.
Weather
Thundery showers with a moderate breeze. Highs of 26 degrees in Nice, 25 degrees in Monaco, 24 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 15 degrees.
The outlook for tomorrow, sunny with a gentle breeze and highs of 24 degrees.
Sunrise 07.17am Sunset 07.27pm
And Finally
Scientists say your favourite colour can reveal your generation. Baby Boomers prefer earthy tones like brown and green. Millennials love millennial pink, symbolizing optimism. Gen Z favours bold shades like yellow, purple, and lime green, popularized by Charli XCX. And Gen Alpha is drawn to natural and bright digital colours. Experts say colours reflect cultural trends and keep evolving.
Heavy storms have hit the Var region on Sunday night, triggering flash floods and major disruptions. Over 160 firefighters carried out 165 interventio...
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A shooting yesterday has left three men seriously injured, all with life-threatening conditions in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône. ...
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The Regional Health Agency (ARS) reports 124 chikungunya cases in southern France as of Monday, with major clusters in the Var. ...
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France is set for one of its biggest strike days in years as around 800,000 people are expected to protest nationwide today, Thursday 18th September, ...
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