News
France braces for nationwide strike this Thursday 2nd of October - Unions across education, transport, and public services are calling for a major strike on Thursday, 2 October. The movement, fuelled by failed talks with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, is gaining momentum, especially in transport, where all four SNCF unions have urged “massive mobilisation.” While the last strike caused moderate disruption, union leaders warn this action will hit harder.
Justice reexamines security at Nice’s Promenade des Anglais attack – In other news, nearly 10 years after the 2016 Nice terror attack that killed 86 people, a crucial court hearing on the 1st of October will review the security measures in place that night. Victims’ lawyers seek new investigations into police deployment and risk assessments, hoping to clarify failures and potentially lead to charges of involuntary manslaughter. Victims continue to demand transparency and answers from the justice system.
Le Lavandou town council acts after May floods - Following the severe floods in May in Cavalière in the Var, Le Lavandou’s town council has taken several measures to address the ongoing impact. The council approved the buyback of an apartment with more properties in the area expected to be purchased. The Mayor, Gil Bernardi, has also announced changes to local urban planning, freezing construction in high-risk flood zones to prevent future damage.
France’s 2025-2026 flu and Covid-19 vaccines start October 14 - The combined flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaign kicks off on October 14th, running until January 31st, 2026. High-risk groups get free flu vaccines with vouchers; others will pay a small fee. Covid-19 boosters remain free for all registered in France’s health system. Vaccines can be given at pharmacies and other healthcare providers.
French woman hitchhikes to raise bipolar awareness - Léa Vigier, diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2024, is hitchhiking across France with a sign to challenge stigma and raise funds for mental health. She aims to spark conversations and improve understanding of bipolar disorder. A film about her journey will be released in October.
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco becomes honorary President as Monaco Balloon teams up with Moravia Yachting – The iconic Monaco hot air balloon made a stunning appearance at Place du Palais to launch a new partnership with Moravia Yachting and celebrate HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco’s appointment as Honorary President of the Monaco Aeronauts Club. Prince Albert’s support marks a milestone for the 25-year-old club, which focuses on sustainable ballooning using environmentally friendly materials.
Business
France’s new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has ruled out bringing back the wealth tax or reversing the controversial pension reform. Appointed amid a deepening political crisis, Lecornu is Macron’s fifth Prime Minister in under two years and is now focused on forming a government and drafting the 2026 budget.
And - The UK government will underwrite a £1.5bn loan guarantee to Jaguar Land Rover to help its suppliers as a cyber-attack halts production. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the move aims to protect jobs across the West Midlands, Merseyside, and beyond. JLR has paused production for weeks following the August hack, raising fears that some small suppliers could face bankruptcy.
Sport
Golf – Europe held off a ferocious American comeback to win the Ryder Cup 15–13 securing their first away victory since 2012.
Football – In the Premier League on Sunday Arsenal scored twice in the final minutes to stun Newcastle at St James' Park with a dramatic 2–1 victory. The result moves Arsenal within two points of league leaders Liverpool.
Rugby - England defeated Canada 33–13 in front of a record 81,885 fans at Twickenham to claim the Women’s Rugby World Cup title. Less than 24 hours later, the Red Roses were still celebrating — turning up to a press conference in cowboy hats and leading chants at a fan party in London. With a peak UK TV audience of 5.8 million, it was the most-watched rugby match of the year.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez, 22 degrees in Monaco, 23 degrees in Nice and 24 degrees in Cannes. This evening going down to 15 degrees with clear skies. The outlook for tomorrow, 23 degrees and sunny.
Sunrise 07.25am Sunset 07.14pm
And Finally
Eight-year-old Harrison Mizen from South Shields received a surprise postcard from St Lucia after his message in a bottle floated over 4,000 miles across the Atlantic. Inspired by pirates, Harrison launched the bottle into the sea in January with help from his family. It was found by a local while fishing and returned with a kind reply and photo of Gros Islet. His mum Laura called it a “treasured memory” and said Harrison was “over the moon.”
Unions across education, transport, and public services are calling for a major strike on Thursday, 2 October. ...
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Air traffic at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport is disrupted again today, with several flight delays following an already difficult day yesterday. ...
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France may allow the temporary transfer of eight dolphins from Marineland (Antibes) to a marine park in Spain, but under strict conditions. ...
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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison with a deferred incarceration order. ...
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French unions have announced a new day of strikes and protests for October 2nd, ramping up pressure on newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecorn...
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