News
Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco - Prince William has made a strong appeal to protect the world’s oceans in a speech at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum here in Monaco. Speaking on Sunday to 1,800 people, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Prince Albert II on Monaco, he said, “If we save the sea, we save the world.” Prince William highlighted how oceans provide half the planet’s oxygen and feed billions, but warned that pollution, warming seas, and overfishing are damaging marine life. He urged global leaders to meet biodiversity goals, like protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030. The forum, hosted by Monaco and supported by France and Costa Rica, comes before the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. Prince William also mark World Oceans Day on Sunday with an interview promoting Sir David Attenborough’s new ocean documentary.
UN Ocean Summit – Meanwhile, as the UN Ocean Summit begins in Nice today, Monday 9th June, France has pledged to ban bottom trawling, a fishing method that harms the seabed, in 4% of its mainland waters by the end of 2026. Currently, only 0.1% of these waters are fully protected. French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher announced this plan to create “strong protection zones” where damaging activities like bottom trawling will be banned. However, environmental groups say this move is not enough and want a total ban in all marine protected areas.
The fishing industry opposes the ban, warning it could threaten livelihoods, especially in coastal communities like Saint-Malo. France’s president Emmanuel Macron faces a tough balance between environmental goals and protecting the fishing sector. The summit, being held in Nice this week will focus on global ocean protection efforts, but the debate over trawling highlights the challenges of preserving marine life while supporting local economies.
President Macron’s state visit to Monaco – French President Emmanuel Macron visited Monaco this weekend for a state visit coinciding with the Blue Economy and Finance Forum. As part of the visit, Macron presented Prince Albert II with several notable gifts, including the naming of an underwater mountain in the Indian Ocean, the "Albert II Seamount"—in his honour. The 1,958-meter seamount, discovered by the French Navy, matches the Prince’s birth year and was officially recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization. Macron also gifted a rare 1880 edition of Jules Verne’s Voyageurs du XIXe siècle, celebrating the Prince’s grandfather and explorer Albert I, along with a limited-edition Rafael Nadal tennis racket, highlighting the Prince’s passion for tennis.
During their state visit to Monaco, President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte took a rare moment of free time for a private stroll in Monte Carlo on Saturday evening. Leaving the Prince’s Palace, the couple walked hand in hand through the luxury shops of One Monte-Carlo and the Jardins des Boulingrins, drawing smiles and smartphone photos from tourists and locals alike. Their walk included a stop to admire the panoramic sea view along the “Promenade des Champions,” before returning to the Hôtel Hermitage, where they were staying. The brief outing offered a relaxed break amid the busy schedule surrounding the Blue Economy and Finance Forum and official state events.
On Sunday, Brigitte Macron joined Princess Charlene of Monaco at the Louis II Stadium swimming pool to promote drowning prevention and swimming instruction, causes championed by the Princess. Hosted by Princess Charlene’s brother, Gareth Wittstock, Princess Charlene and Brigitte Macron warmly interacted with young swimmers and paused for photographs, highlighting their shared commitment to protecting children. The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation focuses on preventing drowning worldwide by teaching children to swim and promoting water safety education.
Silent march in Puget-sur-Argens - In other news, several hundred people have taken part in a silent march in Puget-sur-Argens in the Var on Sunday to remember Hichem Miraoui, a 46-year-old Tunisian man fatally shot by a racist neighbour on May 31st. The peaceful procession started at the hair salon where Miraoui worked, with participants paying tribute to the “kind-hearted” man known for his generosity and warmth. The suspect has been charged with terrorist murder motivated by racial hatred. Locals described Miraoui as a helpful and gentle neighbour, and the march focused on honouring his memory without political slogans. The community expressed shock and sadness at the loss, while calling for justice.
Recent figures show shift in real estate market - Recent figures have revealed a shift in the real estate market in Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes, influenced by the current international geopolitical climate. According to the June 2025 national barometer from Se Loger and Meilleurs Agents, apartment prices in Nice have fallen by 1.7% since March, including a 0.5% dip in May. Despite the decline, the average price remains high at €5,045 per square meter, second only to Paris among major French cities. The slowdown is attributed mainly to cautious foreign buyers, typically active on the Côte d'Azur, who are now hesitant amid global tensions. In contrast, cities like Bordeaux, Montpellier, and Marseille have seen price increases exceeding 1%, supported by easier access to credit. While over 800,000 property transactions occurred nationwide in the past year, with quicker buyer decisions overall, Nice’s market is showing a more cautious pace.
Whit Monday: France’s most confusing Bank Holiday – Finally, once a straightforward public holiday, Whit Monday (lundi de Pentecôte) has become one of the most ambiguous days on the French calendar. Falling this year today on June 9th, its status as a day off is now anything but clear. The shift stems from the tragic summer of 2003, when a deadly heatwave claimed over 15,000 lives, mostly elderly. In response, the French government in 2004 reclassified Whit Monday as a Journée de solidarité — a “solidarity day” meant to raise funds for elder care.
Under this law, workers are expected to work without pay for the day, with employers contributing the equivalent wages to a national support fund. Yet, in practice, the reality varies widely. Some people get the day off, others are forced to use paid leave, and many work extra hours elsewhere in the year to compensate. “It’s a day like any other,” said one Parisian pensioner. But for others, like corporate employee, it feels “like forced paid leave.” With civil servants required to work and private employers choosing their own path, Whit Monday remains a patchwork of exceptions, a holiday that’s no longer really a holiday.
Business
A fresh round of negotiations aimed at defusing the ongoing trade war between the United States and China is set to begin in London today, Monday June 9th. The talks come after US President Donald Trump announced that a senior American delegation would meet Chinese representatives to address ongoing disputes. The renewed dialogue follows a phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, which Trump described as a “very good talk”, raising hopes for progress. Last month, both countries agreed to a temporary truce that saw some import tariffs eased. However, tensions have since reignited, with each side accusing the other of violating the terms of the agreement.
Tensions between US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have intensified uncertainty around NASA’s funding, already under threat from proposed deep budget cuts. The White House had sought significant reductions to NASA’s budget, slashing funding for key science projects by nearly half. Now, Trump has escalated the dispute by threatening to pull federal contracts from Musk’s SpaceX, putting the US space programme at further risk. SpaceX plays a critical role in NASA’s operations. The company’s Starship rocket is also slated to be the vehicle to carry astronauts to the Moon and, eventually, Mars. With NASA’s future intertwined with Musk’s technology, the unfolding political clash could have far-reaching consequences for America’s ambitions in space exploration.
And - The European Union is moving towards overhauling air travel regulations. EU transport ministers backed a plan last week to introduce standardized dimensions for free under seat cabin baggage across all EU airlines. The proposal is part of a broader effort to enhance passenger rights and bring consistency to often-confusing luggage policies. If approved by the European Parliament, the new rules could become law, offering more clarity for travellers but also challenging budget airlines, which have long defended their varied baggage policies as essential for keeping fares low.
Sport
Tennis - In a match that exceeded even the highest expectations, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in a historic French Open final that lasted an astonishing five hours and 29 minutes, the longest in the tournament’s history. The 22-year-old Spaniard staged a stunning comeback from two sets down, saving three championship points before clinching victory in a dramatic fifth-set tie-break. With the win, Alcaraz not only defended his Roland Garros title but also claimed his fifth Grand Slam, becoming just the third man in the Open era to win a major final after saving a championship point.
Football - Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as Portugal clinched the Nations League title in dramatic fashion, defeating fierce rivals Spain on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time. Though substituted in the 88th minute, the 40-year-old captain had already made his mark, scoring a crucial equalizer in the 61st minute, his 138th international goal, extending his all-time record.
The match and celebrations were however, marked with a tragic event during the game at Munich’s Allianz Arena, after a spectator fell from the second tier of the main stand. UEFA later confirmed the individual had died despite efforts from paramedics to save them. UEFA said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time.” The match continued as the individual was being treated, and many in the stadium were unaware of the unfolding emergency. An investigation is underway.
Golf - New Zealand’s Ryan Fox held his nerve to defeat American Sam Burns at the fourth play-off hole and claimed a thrilling victory at the Canadian Open.
Cricket - England sealed a T20 series win over the West Indies with a game to spare, chasing down 197 in thrilling fashion to claim a four-wicket victory in Bristol. England's successful chase not only showcased their deep batting lineup but also secured a morale-boosting series win ahead of the final game.
Weather
Some low cloud to start, giving way to hazy sunshine and a gentle breeze. Highs of 25 degrees in Monaco and Nice, 26 degrees in Cannes and Vence, 24 degrees in Saint-Tropez, 27 degrees in Toulon. This evening going down to 18 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday, fine and sunny with highs of 26 degrees.
Sunrise 05.48am
Sunset 09.10pm
Weather elsewhere
London 20° light cloud.
Paris 23° sunny intervals.
Dublin 17° light rain.
Beach weather
Marseille – sea temperature 21°, air temperature 24°. UV level 8.
Nice – sea temperature 22°, air temperature 25°. UV level 8.
A nationwide ban on smoking in all outdoor places that can be accessed by children, including beaches, parks and bus stops – but not café terraces – h...
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The Var and the Alpes-Maritimes are on an orange heatwave alert from midday tomorrow, Saturday. A yellow alert is in force for the rest of Friday unti...
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The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has agreed to remove the Israeli flags outside Nice city hall.
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Three people have died in a serious accident on the A8 motorway this morning. Two cars were involved in a head-on collision near the Mandelieu East in...
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A silent march will be held through Nice on Saturday in memory of a firefighter who was killed in a hit-and-run on the Promenade des Anglais this time...
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