News
France marks ten years since the November 13 attacks - France has all this week been commemorating the tenth anniversary of the November 13, 2015 terrorist attacks, which claimed 132 lives and left hundreds injured in Paris and Saint-Denis. A series of ceremonies and tributes are planned across the capital, culminating on Thursday, 13 November, with President Emmanuel Macron attending moments of remembrance at each attack site — beginning at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis at 11:30 a.m., then moving to Le Carillon and Le Petit Cambodge, La Bonne Bière, Le Comptoir Voltaire, La Belle Équipe, and finally the Bataclan. Public tributes are also taking place throughout the week. At Place de la République, where Parisians gathered in mourning ten years ago, visitors can leave candles, flowers, and messages. A free outdoor exhibition there displays photographs capturing the city’s unity and resilience after the attacks.
A national ceremony will follow at 6 p.m. in the Jardin du 13 Novembre 2015 near Hôtel de Ville, with speeches from President Macron, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and victims’ association leaders Philippe Duperron and Arthur Dénouveaux. The victims’ names will be read aloud, and the event broadcast live on France 2 and on a giant screen at Place de la République.
Throughout November, Paris museums and galleries are also hosting commemorative exhibitions, including Face au terrorisme, une mémoire citoyenne at Hôtel de Ville and Je suis Paris at the Archives de Paris. The Orchestre de chambre de Paris will perform a special concert at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, while the play Les Consolantes, exploring collective healing after tragedy, will be staged in venues across the city. These events mark a decade since a night that forever changed France — and honour the enduring memory of the victims, survivors, and all those who came together in the face of terror.
Seven budget measures that could affect foreigners in France - France’s parliament is continuing to debate the draft 2026 national budget, and several measures under discussion could have a direct impact on foreigners living in the country. One key change would see non-EU residents on “visitor” status required to pay a minimum contribution to access French public healthcare. The amount has yet to be set, though citizens from countries with bilateral agreements, including the UK, would be exempt. Lawmakers have also voted to raise the social charge (CSG) on income from savings, investments and real estate from 9.2% to 10.6%, a move expected to bring in an additional €2.8 billion. In other measures, MPs backed a proposal to limit sick leave to one month for an initial prescription and two months for renewals, and to shorten the capital gains tax exemption period for second homes from 22 to 17 years. A new amendment would also bring greater transparency to medicine pricing, while maintaining the 40% discount cap on generic drugs. Meanwhile, the wealth tax (IFI) could be extended to cover so-called “unproductive assets” such as art, gold, cryptocurrencies, yachts and private jets, in addition to property worth over €1.3 million. Finally, a proposal from left-wing MPs would turn the 25% tax reduction on nursing home fees into a refundable tax credit, allowing lower-income pensioners to benefit. The government still faces opposition in parliament, and it remains uncertain whether the 2026 budget will ultimately pass.
72-year-old man dies of heart attack during hike near Grasse - A 72-year-old man died on Wednesday morning while hiking with friends in the Andon area, in the hills above Grasse. The alarm was raised around 11 a.m. after the man suddenly fell ill. Firefighters, gendarmes and a civil security helicopter were quickly deployed, with a firefighter doctor on board. Despite their swift intervention, rescuers were unable to revive him after he went into cardiac arrest. The hiker’s companions were taken care of by emergency teams following the incident.
Five police suicides in 18 months in the Alpes-Maritimes raise alarm - Five police officers have taken their own lives in the Alpes-Maritimes over the past eighteen months, highlighting growing distress within the national police. Unions point to heavy workloads, long hours and limited support as key factors behind the crisis. The charity Orphéopolis, which supports the children of deceased officers, has launched its Month of Police Orphans to raise awareness. “Behind each tragedy, there are broken families and children,” said local representative Jean-Luc Bragato. Officer Rudy Aubel, himself helped by the charity after losing his father, said the pressure on police is “very real”, citing lack of support and rising violence. For many, Orphéopolis remains a vital source of comfort amid a deepening sense of unease within the force.
Nice team of 100 to run Monaco’s No Finish Line for inclusion and equality - More than 100 runners and walkers from Nice will take part in Monaco’s No Finish Line from 15th November, running under the banner Main dans la Main pour le Bonheur de Chacun (“Hand in Hand for Everyone’s Happiness”). Their goal: to promote inclusion through sport and support athletes with disabilities. The initiative, led by the associations ANICES and ALPA Côte d’Azur, will raise funds for a carbon-fibre brace for parasport athlete Olivier Zampatti and a special trip for young visually impaired athletes. Zampatti, a former footballer whose career ended after a surgical error caused drop foot syndrome, plans to run a marathon distance every day during the event. “As someone with a disability, I want to prove that anything is possible,” he said. Now in its 26th year, No Finish Line invites participants to complete as many kilometres as possible on a looped course in Monaco, with Prince Albert II traditionally launching the race. As ANICES president Sébastien Filippini put it, “Every metre covered is a victory, every smile a step towards a more caring society.”
Northern Lights dazzle the sky near Nice in rare Côte d’Azur display - Residents of the Côte d’Azur were treated to an extraordinary sight in the early hours of Wednesday, 12th November, as the Northern Lights illuminated the skies over La Gaude, just minutes from Nice. Around 4:30 a.m., vibrant pink and green hues rippled above the Alpes-Maritimes — a spectacle made possible by an exceptional solar storm that reached Earth the previous day. Photos shared on social media captured the rare phenomenon, with locals describing it as “incredible”, “splendid” and “completely unbelievable” for the French Riviera. The aurora was also visible from higher points such as Gréolières-les-Neiges, where cameras recorded the display. Experts suggest the phenomenon could reappear in the coming nights — for those willing to rise before dawn and look to the northern sky.
Former home of poet Jacques Prévert available to rent near Nice - Fans of French poetry can now spend a night in the former home of Jacques Prévert, the celebrated 20th-century poet and screenwriter, in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, just 30 minutes from Nice. Prévert, known for Paroles and Les Feuilles Mortes, lived in the medieval village during the 1940s and 50s. After the Second World War, he and his wife settled in a 12th-century stone house affectionately nicknamed La Miette, located in the heart of the commune.
Now listed on Airbnb, the 100m² home combines modern comforts with period charm — exposed beams, a large fireplace and a vaulted bathroom — while offering views of both the sea and the mountains. A stay in this slice of literary history doesn’t come cheap, however: a night at La Miette averages around €460.
Côte d’Azur man wins €1 Million - A man from the Côte d’Azur has struck the jackpot, winning €1 million in the My Million draw on 6 November — and all thanks to a last-minute change of heart.
According to FDJ United, the lucky winner validated his ticket at the Tabac (newsagent) of the SNC Barale Centre in La Roquette-sur-Siagne. For thirty years, he had faithfully played the same set of numbers without success. But recently, tired of losing, he decided to hand control over to fate and opted for a “flash” or lucky dip, a random selection. Still, doubt crept in. So, true to habit, he also played his long-time “favourite” numbers one more time. This time, luck finally smiled upon him: it was his My Million code that turned him into a millionaire. The winner now plans to treat himself to a small pied-à-terre “in a place he particularly cherishes,” according to the company’s statement. After three decades of patience, it seems fortune truly favours the faithful, or perhaps the spontaneous.
SPORT:
Boxing - Anthony Joshua looks set to end his 14-month hiatus outside the ring with a last-minute fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The former world heavyweight champion hasn't fought since he was stopped by Daniel Dubois last September. Reports in the US suggest a bout will take place in Miami next month.
Olympics - World Athletics president Lord Coe says he's looking forward to his sport kicking off the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 "with a bang". Track and field will take centre stage in the opening week of the Games, swapping with swimming which will instead be held in the second.
World Cup - And French World Cup Qualifiers take place this evening. If France win in their game versus Ukraine at Parc des Princes tonight - they'll secure a place at the 2026 games. Their last qualifier in on Sunday, against Azerbaijan.
BUSINESS:
Markets are waiting for the resumption of US economic data after Congress voted to end the government shutdown. Topix, FTSE, STOXX and Down Jones have notched record highs - although the Yen's slipping as the Japanese PM pushes back on rate hikes.
Oil prices have fallen for a second day as a report reinforced concerns that global supply is more than ample to meet current fuel demand. Brent crude futures fell by 3 cents - whilst US West Texas Intermediate crude fell by 5 cents.
And businesses and charities are being warned to look out for a new scam which sees criminals imitate anti-fraud teams to drain online banking accounts. Targets are tricked into installing software - giving fraudsters access to tens of thousands of pounds.
WEATHER:
Another sunny day across the Cote d'Azur. There'll be patchy cloud in some parts - but its staying dry and mild. Highs of 19 degrees, with lows of 13 tonight.
France’s parliament is continuing to debate the draft 2026 national budget, and several measures under discussion could have a direct impact on foreig...
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A man is in a critical condition in hospital after being found with wounds to his throat in Nice
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US President Donald Trump has taken aim at France during a Fox News interview this week, saying that the United States has “had a lot of problems with...
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Numerous commemorative ceremonies for Armistice Day have been held in our region and throughout France...
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Police are searching for Nadège, a woman who disappeared on Sunday evening after suffering a puncture on a roadside near Pignans, in the Var region. A...
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