French and Riviera News Thursday 4th September 2025

News

France braces for unrest on 10th of September - French intelligence has warned of possible violent protests and sabotage during the "Bloquons tout" mobilisation planned for the 10th of September. Targets may include fuel depots, shopping centres, Amazon sites, and transport hubs. The protests involve diverse groups, increasing the risk of violence. Some unions support the 10 September action, while others plan mobilisation on the 18th of September. Authorities note a growing radicalisation and secretive planning.

Retired gynaecologist appeals charges - A retired gynaecologist from Cannes is appealing charges for 14 counts of rape and sexual assault during medical consultations between 2014 and 2021. The French Medical Council will review three complaints on the 12th of September after an earlier panel dismissed them. The 77-year-old doctor denies all allegations but faces criminal charges for abusing his position.

Director of popular Pampelonne Beach Club charged over noise pollution – The director of the popular Casa Amor plage in Ramatuelle has been arrested and then released over noise pollution offences. He will face court in in early 2026. Authorities seized sound equipment after complaints about loud music despite summer noise limits. Continued breaches could lead to the club’s closure.

Motorway charges - Plans to make changes to motorway pay toll subscriptions has sparked anger against Vinci Autoroutes in Nice. Since last week, many users have received emails announcing that from October 1st, 2025, subscription prices will rise and discounts on preferred routes will be reduced or removed. The news has frustrated frequent motorists on the A8 motorway near Nice.

Monaco bans phones for students - From September the 8th Monaco students from CM2 to Year 13 must keep phones in locked pouches during school hours. The move aims to reduce screen addiction, improve focus, and protect mental health. Phones are returned after school. Parents can contact students via the school office.

Super Mamie - In Vence, the search is on for the next Super Mamie Alpes-Maritimes. Women aged 45 to 90 who are active in their communities and close to their families have until 15th September to apply for the October 11th event. Last year’s winner, Christine Margaria, could soon have a local successor heading to the national stage.

Business

A U.S. federal court has ordered Google to pay $425 million for collecting user data despite users turning off the Web & App Activity tracking feature. Users claimed the company violated personal data settings and continued to access data from mobile devices. Google plans to appeal, saying the ruling “misunderstands how our products work.” Meanwhile, France's data watchdog has fined Google €325 million ($381 million) for displaying ads in Gmail and placing cookies without proper user consent. The company has six months to comply with new consent requirements.

And - France’s services sector has shown signs of stabilising in August. Employment in the sector grew at its fastest rate in 15 months, following eight straight months of job cuts. Economists called the figures “encouraging,” but warned that lingering financial weakness and mounting political uncertainty—amid an impending confidence vote in France’s minority government—continue to weigh on the outlook.

Sport

Tennis - Amanda Anisimova has delivered the performance of her career to defeat world number two Iga Swiatek 6-4 6-3 and reach the US Open semi-finals. Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner also continued his commanding run at the US Open with a straight sets win over fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti, winning 6-1 6-4 6-2 to book his place in the semi-finals.

Cycling - There was no winner declared on stage 11 of the Vuelta a España after race organisers halted the day's competition three kilometres before the finish due to a pro-Palestinian protest near the final stretch. Stage 12 is set to continue today, Thursday 4th September, though the incident has sparked renewed calls for improved rider protection and race security.

Weather

Hazy sunshine along the coast, thundery showers are forecast inland with rain reaching the Var coastline by this afternoon. Moderate winds. Highs of 26 degrees in Nice, 25 degrees in Monaco and Saint Tropez and 27 degrees in Cannes. This evening going down to 18 degrees with clear skies.

The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend. Sunny with a gentle breeze and highs of 27 degrees

Sunrise 06.57am              Sunset 08.00pm  

Beach weather

Warm sea at 24 degrees, light breezes, with hazy sunshine. Possibility of showers later in the day in the Var. UV level is 6.

And Finally 

Cornwall has been revealed as the most relaxing destination in Europe, topping a new ranking with a score of 47.5. Known for its stunning coastal views, peaceful villages like Mevagissey and Port Isaac, and beautiful beaches, Cornwall offers the perfect slow-paced getaway. Following Cornwall, Portugal’s Algarve came second, praised for its beaches and fresh local cuisine, while Provence in France took third place, admired for its coastline and vineyards. Lanzarote, Norway’s Oslo, and County Mayo in Ireland also featured in the top destinations for relaxation. The findings come amid growing interest in ‘slow travel’ as Brits seek calm and restful holidays closer to home.

 

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