News
Storm warning - Storm Caetano is expected to hit France today Thursday 21st November, with 17 departments being placed on an orange weather alert due to strong winds. The cold spell arriving is also expected to see snowfall in mountainous areas with 32 departments on an orange alert for snow and ice. Locally in the Alpes Maritimes and the Var, a yellow warning is in place due to strong winds forecast this afternoon.
French Prime Minister calls for an end to ministerial convoys - In other news in France, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has announced an end to “convoys of too many cars with blaring sirens and flashing lights, which often accompany his ministers". An all too familiar sight of vehicles with tinted windows overtaking you on the promenade or the ring road in Paris and running through red lights as well as speeding, with the excuse that somebody important is inside, may become a thing of the past. Barnier has called for his ministers to set an example adding that “these exceptional convoys are neither emergency vehicles nor police cars” pointing out that “the circulation of ministerial convoys should not deviate from the compliance with the highway code, except in cases which are strictly justified to be a safety emergency”.
Following the announcement some colleagues admitted that “after five years in the job it will be strange to have to stop at a red light”. Barnier also hopes that the move will eventually, for environmental reasons, lead to ministers travelling by train rather than car. Barnier indeed is calling for “efficiency, simplicity and thoughtfulness” from his ministers. Although some see it as if he is acting like “a father who is finally calling his children into an orderly fashion”.
Disruptions on the train network - The SNCF has said that while most trains should be running as normal, there will be some changes to regional networks due to strike action. It has not been very clear as to when the action was taking place. On Wednesday November 20th, it was announced that services would be disrupted from 7pm however, many passengers experienced delays and cancellations during the morning rush hour and for most of the day. If you are planning on travelling by train today, the best is to check on the SNCF website or app. While things should return to normal by the end of this week, unions have already announced plans to launch unlimited strike action starting on December 11th and just in time for the Christmas holidays.
Rapid HIV Diagnostics in Pharmacies - For the first time in France, rapid HIV tests are now available in pharmacies in the Alpes-Maritimes. Conducted without a prescription or upfront payment, the tests provide immediate, confidential results. Currently offered in six pharmacies around Menton, the initiative aims to expand, based on its success, in an ongoing effort in the fight against HIV.
Armed Robbery - Two armed and masked robbers have carried out a robbery at the post office on the island of Porquerolles in the Var. The incident occurred on Wednesday November 20th. The two individuals fled the scene with an envelope. The post office worker, left in shock, received medical attention and was taken to a mainland hospital. Police are investigating and reviewing CCTV footage.
Road closures due to the Var rally - The Rallye du Var gets underway today and due to the 70th edition traffic diversions will be in place. The event runs through until Sunday. Today will see the closure of the RD 89 in Gassin in the Var from midday to 7pm. Tomorrow, Friday, the RD 14 will be affected between Collobrières, La Mole and Cogolin from 11:35am to 5:45pm, the RD 41 between Bormes-les-Mimosas, La Londe and Collobrières from 12:30 to 6:40pm and the RD 44 in Sainte-Maxime from 2:10pm to 7pm. On Saturday, the RD 39 will be affected in Gonfaron from 6:45am to 5:40pm, and the RD 41 between Bormes-les-Mimosas, La Londe and Collobrières from 11:25am to 7:40pm as well as the RD 14 between Collobrières, La Mole and Cogolin from 6:30am to 8:25pm. Finally, on Sunday, you should avoid the Sainte-Maxime area (RD 44) from 5:15am to 11:40am. The RD 14 will also be closed in Collobrières from 6am to 12:40pm and the RD 39 between Gonfaron and Collobrières from 7am to 2:15pm.
“Polygone Riviera” becomes “Shopping Promenade Riviera” - Many of you may be familiar with the “Polygone Riviera” outdoor shopping mall in Cagnes-sur-Mer which has recently been rebranded as the “Shopping Promenade Riviera”. New owner, the Frey Group, is planning a number of significant changes adding leisure, art and cultural experiences, including a speed Park for families and groups, featuring activities such as bowling, karting and laser games and a new Fort Boyard adventure space as well as new restaurants. Recent figures show that the 70,000m² space currently attracts between 8 to 10,000 weekly visitors.
Princess Grace Irish Library celebrates its 40th anniversary - The Princess Grace Irish Library here in the Principality has celebrated its 40th anniversary. Created by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in memory of his late wife, Princess Grace, it was inaugurated on November 20th, 1984. Princess Grace had always expressed a deep affection for her Irish roots and inspired its creation. Located just a stone’s throw away from the Palace of Monaco since it opened the library has acquired over 12,000 works. This year’s celebrations highlight “A Retrospective of the Life of Princess Grace: Her Irish Origins and Passion for Irish Culture.” Visitors can discover and explore Grace Kelly’s family history, tracing her roots back to her grandfather, John Kelly, who emigrated from Ireland to America at the age of 20.
In addition, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation hosted a musical lunch in Monaco on Wednesday for the 40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Irish Library. It was of course earlier this year in May, that the Stelios Foundation hosted the film premiere of ‘Quintessentially Irish’
