French and Riviera News Monday 27th February 2023

News

Unions reject proposal from government - The two main unions of GPs in France have unanimously rejected proposed new measures from the Health Insurance and the French government concerning their pay. Six unions had until tomorrow Tuesday 28th February, to accept an increase of 1 euro 50 per consultation from 25 euros to 26 euros 50, or an increase to 30 euros, on the condition that they increase their activity such as being on call evenings and weekends. The decision will undoubtedly lead to further strike action from GPs.

McDonald’s to replace potato fries - The American fast-food giant McDonald’s is reportedly planning to temporarily replace its potato fries with beetroot, carrot and parsnip fries in France as of March. According to "Le Parisien" newspaper the French management of the American fast-food giant announced to its franchises that its famous potatoes would be replaced by fries of beets, carrots and parsnips from March 7th for a period of three to four weeks.

Snowfall - There has been snowfall in the Var region. The region which was placed on an orange weather warning due to snow and ice saw snowfall on Sunday afternoon and the warning extended to 3am this Monday morning. Photos were shared on social media of flakes falling in the west and north-west of the Var region. The weather led to Vinci motorway authorities restricting the circulation of heavy goods vehicles on the A8 at Vidauban in both directions.

Pine caterpillars - Pine caterpillars are back in Monaco and Cap-d'Ail as authorities warn the public to take extra care with any pets. Due to the rise in temperature, processionary caterpillars are very present in the Principality and preventative measure to avoid contact have been put in place. Up to 40 millimetres long, with a body dotted with red spots and a yellow belly, they are covered with allergenic hairs for humans and animals.

Most expensive hotel rooms in Europe - Two hotel rooms in Cannes have been revealed to be among the most expensive in Europe. The Majestic and the Martinez both feature in the ranking of the most expensive hotel rooms in Europe, published in the US version of the specialist magazine "Architectural Digest". At the Majestic is it the 150m2 terrace of the penthouse suite and its 11-meter heated swimming pool with panoramic sea view while the Martinez boasts a penthouse apartment which is among the largest suites in Europe. Both would set you back a small fortune on average 30,000 euros a night at the Majestic and depending on the period up to 50,500 euros per night at the Martinez.  

Business

In the UK the Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has set out his plans for the economy, warning that without new policies the UK risks falling behind eastern European nations. Today he will host a round table in the city of London with prominent business guests. He is drawing together previously announced policies as well as setting out further details of Labour's economic strategy. Labour said the Tories had put the UK on a "path of decline" and if recent growth trends continued, people in the UK would be worse off than Poland's population by 2030.

Around two million Cosori Air Fryers have been recalled in the US due to reports of fires and burns.  The issue is due to a wire connection in the air fryers, which can overheat, posing a fire hazard. About 250,000 air fryers in Canada and 21,000 in Mexico were also recalled. Cosori has received 205 reports of the air fryers catching fire, burning, melting, overheating and smoking. That includes 10 incidents of minor, superficial burn injuries and 23 reports of minor property damage.

And – Australian firm Recharge Industries has bought the defunct battery maker Britishvolt out of administration. Britishvolt had plans to build a £4bn battery plant in Northumberland but collapsed last month after running out of money. Its downfall was blamed on a lack of battery experience, proven technology, customers and revenue.

Rugby Report - Sponsored by Van Diemen's Australian Bar & Restaurant

In the Six Nations at the weekend France ended Scotland’s Grand Slam hopes with an epic match in Paris on Sunday.  Both sides suffered red cards in the first 10 minutes of the game, and Scotland trailed 19-0 at one stage before roaring back to make it a four-point game going into the final few minutes. However, France scored a last-minute try ending in a 32-21 win.

It means Ireland - who visit Murrayfield in two weeks - are the only side left chasing a Grand Slam, with France now level with Scotland and England on 10 points after two wins and a defeat.

Ireland remain favourites after their 34-20 win over Italy at the weekend and England must "push on" after beating Wales 20-10.

Sport

Football - Manchester United have won the League Cup final against Newcastle United 2-1 on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are third in the Premier League table, eight points behind leaders Arsenal with 14 games to play.

Tennis - British number one Cameron Norrie has beaten top seed Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling Rio Open final to claim his fifth ATP singles title on Sunday. The 27-year-old came from a set down to beat the Spaniard 4-6 6-4 7-5.

Cycling - Britain's Adam Yates won the seventh and final stage of the UAE Tour on Sunday as Belgium's Remco Evenepoel claimed overall victory by 59 seconds.

Weather

An easterly cold wind with highs of 12 degrees in Nice, Monaco and Cannes. Scattered showers are forecast. Inland in the Alpes Maritimes, highs of 8 degrees in Puget Théniers. This evening going down to 7 degrees and cloudy.

In the Var strong winds and rain. Highs of 12 degrees in Saint Tropez and 11 inland in Draguignan. This evening going down to 4 degrees along the coast and 2 degrees inland.

The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday. Drizzle forecast for Nice, rain and strong winds for the Var. Highs of 12-13 degrees.

Sunrise       07.10hr

Sunset        18.15hr

Last local news

Evening Update Thursday 28th March 2024

Seven people have been questioned by police in a fraud investigation relating to the loss of almost half a million euros by Nice university hospital.... Evening Update Thursday 28th March 2024 Read More

28/03/2024

French and Riviera News Thursday 28th March 2024

France's prime minister Gabriel Attal has announced that a teenage girl who falsely accused her headteacher of striking her in a heated exchange over... French and Riviera News Thursday 28th March 2024 Read More

28/03/2024

Evening Update Wednesday 27th March 2024

The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has asked for national police reinforcements to help bring the Les Moulins housing estate under control.... Evening Update Wednesday 27th March 2024 Read More

27/03/2024

French and Riviera News Wednesday 27th March 2024

The headmaster of a high school in Paris has resigned after receiving death threats on social media following an altercation with a student, which dat... French and Riviera News Wednesday 27th March 2024 Read More

27/03/2024

Evening Update Tuesday 26th March 2024

More than 20 secondary schools on the Riviera have been targeted by bomb alerts today, forcing some of them to stay closed all day.... Evening Update Tuesday 26th March 2024 Read More

26/03/2024