News
SNCF unions warn of a “dark week” ahead - SNCF unions are warning of a "dark week" ahead as a strike looms over the May 8th bank holiday weekend. Fabien Villedieu, federal secretary of the SUD Rail union, said negotiations with SNCF management had failed to get results, with no progress made on key issues like work bonuses and schedule changes. The union criticizes management for offering little beyond meetings and accuses them of ignoring workers' needs. Villedieu highlighted the company’s massive profits, noting that while SNCF made 5.3 billion euros in recent years, railway workers haven’t seen any benefit. The strike, involving train inspectors, drivers, and other staff, is set to begin on May 5th, with union members rallying on May 7th.
Rail Pass for young people to be abandoned - Meanwhile, the Rail Pass, introduced last year for young people aged 16 to 27, will not be renewed this summer. The Ministry of Transport cited a "mixed" outcome, with only a third of the expected tickets sold last year. The pass, which offered unlimited travel on regional trains for €49 per month during July and August, sold 235,000 tickets, far below the 700,000 target.
French Prime Minister distresses after daughter reveals she was abused at Roman Catholic School - French Prime Minister François Bayrou is reported to be deeply distressed after his daughter, Hélène Perlant, revealed she was abused at a Roman Catholic school. Perlant who is now 53, alleges a priest beat her at Notre-Dame de Bétharram when she was 14. However, she is adamant that she had never spoken to her father about the incident, which took place in the 1980s. The abuse, which spanned decades, has recently resurfaced, with hundreds of victims speaking out in a book published today. Bayrou, who was MP and education minister at the time, denies knowing about it. He is set to testify before a parliamentary inquiry.
Man fatally hit by train - A man has been fatally hit by a train in Hyères in the Var. The tragic incident occurred at a level crossing between La Garde and Hyères on Wednesday afternoon, causing disruptions to rail traffic. SNCF reported that train service was interrupted in both directions, with delays and cancellations expected. An investigation is underway. Normal service was expected to resume by 6.30pm.
Fire breaks out on work site - A fire has broken out on a construction site in Cagnes-sur-Mer. The incident occurred on Wednesday injuring a worker. The fire started on scaffolding at a multi-family residential building under construction. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading inside the building. A 38-year-old worker suffered burns to his upper limbs and was taken to hospital. Firefighters managed to control the situation.
Ocean Summit in Nice - As the Oceans Summit approaches in Nice from June 9th to 13th, 2025, the city has implemented a procedure for residents in the restricted port area to request exemptions. The area will be off-limits to vehicles from June 5th and to pedestrians from June 6th, with heightened security for the international event. From April 23rd to 30th, city agents will visit affected buildings to register residents, businesses, and employees. Required documents include ID, proof of address, vehicle registration, and employment certificates. If residents are absent, they can schedule an appointment with the city hall or visit designated registration points by June 2nd. The goal is to facilitate access for residents during the summit.
Mayor shows supports to allow bakers and florist to open on May 1st - The mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolitan Area, Christian Estrosi has expressed strong support for a proposed exemption which would allow bakers and florists to open on May 1st, Labour Day in France. After discussions with industry representatives, he spoke with Catherine Vautrin, France’s employment Minister who confirmed her support for a bill allowing this exemption. Estrosi reaffirmed his full support for these skilled professionals, emphasizing their right to work and the recognition of their expertise.
Yogurt fountains - The City of Biot is introducing yogurt fountains in schools becoming one of the first municipalities in the Alpes-Maritimes to do so. The initiative aims to reduce plastic waste and food waste, with organic French yogurt and compote fountains available to students. This eco-friendly system allows children to choose their portion size, promoting sustainability and health. The first meal with the yogurt fountains will be held at Moulin Neuf School today, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in the presence of municipal officials.
Save the date: Water Festival in Nice –A vibrant cultural celebration is to take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Quai du Commerce, on the Port of Nice. Experience the rich traditions of Southeast Asia through music, dance, food, and crafts, inspired by the symbolism of water in festivals like Cambodia’s Water Festival, Thailand’s Loy Krathong, and more. Highlights include a Krathong competition, food stalls, traditional music, fruit carving, and monk blessings. The event will be officially opened by Mayor Christian Estrosi at 10.30am. Don’t miss this unique cultural journey, with flavours, sights, and sounds of Southeast Asia right at your doorstep!
Cannes Film Festival - The 78th Cannes Film Festival has finalized this year’s program, featuring Kristen Stewart’s debut as a director for the film, The Chronology of Water, which tells the story of a young girl growing up in a violent, alcohol-ridden environment before finding solace in literature. The competition for the Palme d'Or now includes 21 films, with Lynne Ramsay’s Die, My Love starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson also in the running. The festival has achieved a record number of female directors. Cannes will this year also honour French actor-director Pierre Richard with a tribute screening of his first film in nearly 30 years, The Man Who Saw the Bear Who Saw the Man. The festival opens on May 13th, with Mylène Farmer performing on the opening night.
Women complete epic crossing from Vienna to Monaco – Finally, two women, Loubna Freih (Swiss-born Monegasque Ironman World Champion) and Mélanie Corthay (Valais mountain guide) have completed their incredible challenge of crossing the Alps, starting from Vienna and finishing at the Larvotto Beach in Monaco. Their 54-day journey crossed 5 countries (Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Monaco) and covered 1600 km. The duo's journey highlighted not only their resilience but also the beauty of the Alpine landscapes and their connection with nature. Throughout their journey, they were supported by their families, friends, and local communities. Their success marks an extraordinary achievement in endurance and adventure, with a documentary showcasing their journey.
Business
The European Union has fined Apple and Meta a total of €700m (£599m) under new laws aimed at limiting big tech’s dominance. Apple received a €500m (£428m) fine over its App Store practices, while Meta was fined €200m (£171m) for limiting user choice in data consent. Both companies hit back, with Meta accusing the EU of trying to “handicap successful American businesses” and Apple claiming it was being “unfairly targeted.”
Twelve US states, led by New York, have filed a lawsuit to block President Donald Trump's tariffs, arguing he lacked the authority to impose them without federal approval. The case was submitted to the US Court of International Trade. In response, the White House accused New York Attorney General Letitia James of pursuing a "witch hunt" against President Trump instead of focusing on voter’s needs.
And - China has returned planes ordered from the US in response to President Trump’s tariffs. According to the CEO of Boeing Kelly Ortberg two planes had already been sent back, with another expected soon, as trade tensions between the two nations rise. Ortberg also revealed that 50 more planes were scheduled for delivery to China this year, but customers have indicated they will refuse them. The US imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, and China retaliated with a 125% tax on US products.
Sport
Football - Crystal Palace twice came from behind to draw with second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday evening, leaving Liverpool just one point from sealing the Premier League title.
Meanwhile, in woman’s football Chelsea maintained their six-point lead at the top of the Women's Super League with a 4-0 win over 10-player Crystal Palace at Kingsmeadow. They now need just four points from their final three games to secure a sixth straight title. Palace, seven points from safety, face relegation if they lose to West Ham on Sunday.
Cricket - Andrew Flintoff has spoken for the first time about his 2022 Top Gear crash, saying he thought he "was dead" in the moments after it happened. The former cricketer suffered serious facial and rib injuries. In a new Disney+ documentary, Freddie, he recalls the fear and confusion: "I was conscious but couldn’t see... I thought my face had come off." He described the pain as "agony" before being airlifted to hospital.
Formula One - General Motors has been officially approved as a Formula 1 engine supplier for the 2029 season, marking its first confirmed entry year. The US carmaker will enter the sport under its Cadillac brand, which will debut in 2026 using Ferrari engines until GM's power unit is ready. Originally rejected by F1 but later approved after being restructured as a Cadillac team, GM has established a dedicated engine company for the project. The 2029 season will follow new engine regulations emphasizing increased electric power. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem called the move a key step in F1’s global expansion and a sign of rising interest from major manufacturers.
Cycling - World champion Tadej Pogacar braved cold and rainy conditions to win his second Fleche Wallonne title in Belgium, finishing 10 seconds ahead of France’s Kevin Vauquelin. Britain’s Tom Pidcock secured a career-best third place, while Puck Pieterse won the women’s race on her debut. “It’s a beautiful place, but such a tough finish,” Pogacar said.
Athletics - Three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile on 26 June in Paris. Though it won’t count as an official record due to rotating pacemakers and Nike’s advanced gear, the Kenyan star hopes to break her own 2023 world record of 4:07.64.
Weather
Fine and sunny with moderate to strong winds in the Var. Highs of 19 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Saint-Tropez, 20 degrees in Mougins, Antibes and Cannes. 21 degrees in Marseille. This evening going down to 12 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for Friday and the weekend. Fine and sunny tomorrow, sunny intervals on Saturday with light showers forecast for Sunday. Highs of 19-20 degrees.
Sunrise 06.32am
Sunset 08.24pm
Weather elsewhere
Bordeaux 18° sunny intervals
Palma 23° sunny
Athens 23° sunny intervals
SNCF unions are warning of a "dark week" ahead as a strike looms over the May 8th bank holiday weekend. Fabien Villedieu, federal secretary of the SUD...
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Fine and sunny with moderate to strong winds in the Var. Highs of 19 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Saint-Tropez, 20 degrees in Mougins, Antibes and Cann...
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There have been 65 attacks on prison officers and prisons since April 13, according to French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. Speaking to French m...
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Many world leaders are expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday in St. Peter's Square, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French Presi...
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Mainly fine and sunny with some low cloud to start and according to Météo France a possible risk of thundery showers in Nice. Highs of 19 degrees in N...
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