News
Several injured after driver rams pedestrians and cyclists in Western France - A 35-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after deliberately driving into pedestrians and cyclists on the island of Oléron, off France’s western coast, injuring 10 people, including four seriously, according to prosecutor Arnaud Laraize. Police used a taser to detain the suspect as he allegedly tried to set his car on fire. Witnesses reported that he shouted “God is the greatest” in Arabic during the incident. Authorities are investigating the case as attempted murder, and are also examining possible psychiatric issues. The attacks occurred along the road between Dolus-d’Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron. The suspect, a local resident, was already known to police for minor offenses. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said he was traveling to the scene and would make a statement later in the day. The motive remains unclear.
Pensioners to protest across France on Thursday over 2026 Budget plans - French pensioners are set to take to the streets on Thursday, November 6, 2025, following a call from several unions — including the Union Confédérale Retraité·es / CGT — to protest against measures in the draft 2026 Budget that they say will hurt retirees’ purchasing power. The unions are opposing government plans to freeze pensions for a year, introduce below-inflation increases until 2030, and replace the current 10% tax allowance with a flat €2,000 deduction. They also denounce other proposals, such as the doubling of medical deductibles and the freezing of social benefits like family allowances and housing aid. Demonstrations are planned in front of prefectures and in major cities at 10:30 a.m., with a Paris march beginning at 2 p.m. from the Palais du Luxembourg to the National Assembly. Union leaders, including CGT General Secretary Sophie Binet, have condemned the budget as “deeply unfair,” arguing it forces those with the least to bear the cost of France’s debt and rising healthcare expenses.
French MPs vote to shorten capital gains tax exemption period for second homes - French lawmakers have voted to reduce the holding period before second-home owners can be exempt from capital gains tax when selling their property. Currently, owners must keep a second home for 22 years to avoid paying capital gains income tax, and 30 years to be exempt from both income tax and social charges. The new proposal, introduced by Corentin Le Fur, a centre-right MP from Les Républicains, would cut that time to 17 years. Le Fur argued that the long waiting period discourages property sales and limits housing availability in high-demand areas like Brittany. The amendment passed the Assemblée Nationale despite opposition from Budget Minister Amélie de Montchalin, but it must still be debated and approved by the Senate. Its final adoption remains uncertain as part of the contentious 2026 budget, which has already faced political tension and rejections of other key proposals.
Large plume of smoke in Nice: Car catches fire on the Vincent-Auriol Bridge - A thick plume of smoke drew the attention of residents in Nice this Wednesday, November 5, 2025, around midday. The source: a car that caught fire on the Vincent-Auriol Bridge, in the Roquebillière district, east of the city. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to bring the blaze under control, which was still being extinguished in the early afternoon. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.
Monaco’s “No Finish Line” charity run returns this month - Monaco’s beloved charity event, No Finish Line, is set to return from November 15th to 23rd, 2025, under the high patronage of Princess Charlene. The unique eight-day, non-stop run and walk invites participants of all abilities to complete as many laps as they wish around the 1,140-metre circuit in Fontvieille. For every kilometre covered, the organisation Children & Future donates €1 to projects supporting sick and disadvantaged children. This year’s goals: 14,000 participants, 325,000 kilometres, and €325,000 raised. Since 1999, the event has brought together nearly 190,000 participants, who have collectively run more than 5.1 million kilometres, raising over €5.4 million. Runners can join at any time during the week, with the course open 24 hours a day. Registration is open until November 11th at childrenandfuture.com or on-site from 10 a.m. on November 15th.
Weather Alert: Rain and strong winds expected in Nice and the French Riviera - After several days of sunshine, the weather in Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes is set to change dramatically on Thursday, November 6, 2025. According to Météo-France, a new Mediterranean weather system will bring rain and strong gusts of wind to the region. The first showers are expected between midnight and 6 a.m., followed by a rainy day with up to 12 mm of rainfall and temperatures ranging from 11°C to 17°C. Easterly winds could reach 55 km/h, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Drivers are advised to take precautions, and residents should plan for wet and windy conditions. Rain may continue into Friday morning, but clearer skies and sunshine are forecast to return over the weekend, promising a pleasant end to the week on the Côte d’Azur.
Business
The Bank of England is expected to hold its interest rates at 4-percent today - despite economic growth becoming stagnant. Inflation came in at 3.8% for September, below the predicted level.
Wall Street stocks have gained ground following several upbeat economic updates and quartley updates from US companies. Google's parent Alphabet jumped by 2.4%, alongside Meta Platforms rising by 1.4%. Their gains helped counter losses from tech giants like Nvidia and Microsoft.
And as the US government shutdown continues - an order to cut flights from major American airports has been made. The US Transportation Secretary said he'd order the 10% decrease - citing air traffic control safety concerns. The shutdown's forced 13 000 air traffic controllers to work without pay.
Sport
OGC Nice are preparing to host Freiburg at the Allianz Riviera tonight. The French team are still seeking their first points in the Europa League this season. The Bundesliga side have suffered just one defeat in their last 11 competitive fixtures.
Rory McIlroy says he doesn't see how earning ranking points will benefit those playing in the L-I-V golf series. They've announced they'll be expanding events to four rounds from next year. The five-time major winner has been an outspoken critic of the Saudi breakaway tour.
And... Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek is out of the end of season WTA tennis finals. She lost to Amanda Anisimova who advances to the semis in Riyadh. Elena Rybakina is also through to the last four.
Weather
A yellow weather warning's been issued for the Var region. Showers and strong winds are expected across the Riviera - with wet and windy conditions continuing into tomorrow. Staying mild with highs of 17 degrees.
A homeless man accused of firing a shot which seriously injured another homeless person in Nice has appeared in court. The man in his fifties claimed ...
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A man has died after being struck by a train in the Var. Witnesses described seeing the man use his mobile phone whilst crossing the tracks at Puget-V...
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Several people have been taken into custody after a shooting in the centre of Nice yesterday. The victim was shot in the head on rue de la Buffa ...
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The French government has announced a prohibition on mobile phone use in six prisons
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A sharp blast of Arctic air is set to hit the Côte d’Azur this weekend, with temperatures dipping to –4°C in parts of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var....
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