News
Today’s vote of confidence could topple Bayrou’s government – Nationally in France today, Monday 8th September, France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou will deliver a key policy speech at 3pm to the National Assembly, followed by a vote of confidence on the government’s plan to reduce the public deficit by €44 billion. Despite efforts to secure support, Bayrou is expected to lose, becoming the first Prime Minister of the Fifth Republic to be ousted this way. The vote will take place at around 7pm and requires a majority. If the vote fails, Bayrou must resign and submit the government’s resignation to President Macron, possibly as early as Monday evening, marking a major political crisis.
Fire destroys building in Nice and disrupts trains – Locally, a large fire has destroyed a disused, squatted building near Nice Saint-Roch train station. Smoke and flames were visible for miles on Sunday evening. No casualties were reported. The fire disrupted local roads and train services between Cannes and Menton, with the SNCF restoring traffic by 11pm. An investigation is underway.
Train services disrupted – Meanwhile, train services on the Chemins de fer de Provence line, known as the "Train des Pignes", will remain disrupted at the start of this week, following two assaults on ticket inspectors last Friday. Approximately 40% of weekend services between Nice and Plan-du-Var or Colomars were cancelled after staff invoked their right to withdraw from duty, citing safety concerns. A meeting with regional and local authorities is scheduled for today, Monday 8th September.
Swimming Banned on Two Fréjus Beaches - Swimming has been banned on two beaches in Fréjus-Plage after poor water quality results from the regional health agency. Signs were put in place to inform the public, though many sunbathers remained on site.
Monaco confirms rare case of Chikungunya - Monaco health authorities have confirmed a rare case of Chikungunya in a Fontvieille resident, though the infection likely originated outside the Principality. In response, a mosquito control operation took place overnight on September 6th with residents advised to keep windows closed and avoid going outside. Chikungunya, spread by tiger mosquitoes, causes fever, joint pain, and fatigue but is rarely life-threatening. Monaco’s mosquito monitoring has never detected the virus locally.
Nice launches new taxi service to bring doctors to isolated seniors – In a move to combat isolation amongst vulnerable seniors, the city of Nice has introduced a unique initiative: drivers who can transport doctors directly to patients’ homes. This service targets those over 75, with chronic illnesses, lacking a GP, or unable to travel. The programme is a collaboration between the city, local health professionals, and social groups.
Marina Baie des Anges reopens after major renovation - The Marina Baie des Anges in Villeneuve-Loubet, near Nice, has been fully renovated. The €65 million project modernises the harbour, which now has 515 boat berths and environmentally friendly features like seawater heating covering 73% of energy needs. The site also includes a green promenade prioritising pedestrian access and has earned the “Port Propre” environmental label.
Traditional boats celebrated in Port-Cros – Finally, the island of Port-Cros will host the first edition of Les Pointus festival on the 13th and 14th of September, celebrating traditional Mediterranean fishing boats. Around 20 pointus will take part with crews in period dress. Locals and volunteers have come together to honour maritime heritage with music, games, and historical displays. Visitors are encouraged to join the fun in sailor stripes and straw hats.
Business
Kevin Hassett, a top aide to U.S. President Donald Trump and one of the frontrunners to become the next chair of the Federal Reserve, stated on Sunday that the central bank must remain completely independent from political influence. Speaking to CBS Hassett emphasized that Federal Reserve monetary policy should be free from interference by any political figure, including President Trump.
And - London faces nearly a week of travel chaos as Underground workers start strikes. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) is protesting over pay and working conditions after talks failed. TfL offered a 3.4% raise but won’t cut the 35-hour workweek. Services on the Underground and Docklands Light Railway will be severely disrupted. The strikes which started on Sunday are planned to last until Thursday, September 11th.
Sport
Tennis - Carlos Alcaraz has defeated Jannik Sinner in four sets to reclaim the US Open title. The match, delayed due to extra security for President Trump, ended 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in New York.
Formula One – Max Verstappen won the Italian Grand Prix at the weekend. The race also saw Fernando Alonso retire with suspension failure after a strong weekend for Aston Martin.
Meanwhile, the Monaco Grand Prix is locked in on the F1 calendar until 2035 after extending its contract by four years. Prince Albert II helped secure the deal amid past negotiation challenges.
Football - Tottenham Hotspur’s board says the club is “not for sale” after rejecting two takeover offers. This follows the sudden exit of long-time chairman Daniel Levy, who earned over £50m during his 25 years but faced frequent fan protests.
Golf - Rory McIlroy has won the Irish Open, clinching victory on the third extra hole. This is his second Irish Open win and fourth victory of the year.
Weather
Monaco and Nice, partly sunny with highs of 26°C. Saint-Tropez will have a mix of sunshine and clouds, reaching a high of 27°C. In Cannes again a mix of sunshine and cloudy patches highs of 24°C. Winds will be light to moderate. This evening going down to 17°C along the coast.
The outlook for tomorrow, sunny intervals with light winds and highs of 24°C.
Sunrise 07.01am Sunset 07.53pm
Beach Weather
Expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F) along the coast, including Monaco, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Antibes. Light to moderate winds are anticipated, making it ideal for beach activities. Sea temperatures are comfortable for swimming, averaging around 22°C (72°F). No significant rainfall is expected, ensuring a pleasant day for outdoor plans.
And Finally
A new study reveals that French cuisine is now Britain’s favourite foreign food, overtaking Indian dishes. Classic French meals like steak frites, onion soup, and quiche have won over 77% of Britons, who praise French cooking for its indulgence and sophistication. While British food remains the top overall choice, 65% prefer steak frites to fish and chips, and 70% think French fries beat traditional chip shop chips. Despite the love for French food, many find it intimidating to cook, with 66% saying French dishes are the hardest to prepare at home.
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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