News
Prince Albert II of Monaco expresses relief following release of Israeli hostages – HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has conveyed his “deep relief” following the release of Israeli hostages held since the tragic October 7, 2023, attack. In an official message to the Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the Prince praised the efforts that led to the hostages’ liberation and acknowledged the courage of the families who endured a painful wait. Prince Albert assured Israel of Monaco’s continued support, with special thoughts for the families now reunited.
Former French President to report to prison in Paris – In other news, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will report to prison in Paris on October 21st to begin a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy linked to alleged illegal funding of his 2007 campaign. Sarkozy has denied wrongdoing and is appealing the conviction.
Mayor of Nice refuses to give details of his expenses – Locally, the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has come under fire for refusing to release details of his official expenses, despite growing calls for transparency from opposition. During a recent city council meeting, Estrosi declined to provide a breakdown of his purchases, pointing instead to the general budget. Similar requests in 2023 and 2024 were also rejected.
Femicides in France - The #NousToutes association has revealed that since January, 123 femicides have been recorded in France, which is an average of one every two days. In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, 13 cases have been reported this year, including two in the Alpes-Maritimes and one in the Var. The latest case occurred in Grasse over the weekend, adding to the region’s alarming toll.
Flu and covid vaccination – France’s 2025-26 seasonal flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaign begins today. Last winter’s flu wave led to nearly 30,000 hospitalisations and 5,000 deaths, mostly among the elderly.
Deadline taxe foncière - And don’t forget if you own a property in France the deadline to pay your Taxe foncière is tomorrow, Wednesday 15th October.
Provence wine tourism festival debuts with tastings, workshops, and vineyard adventures – Finally, this weekend will mark the first edition of the Vignobles en fête, a celebration of wine tourism across Provence. The event, part of the “Vignobles et Découvertes” label, offers a packed schedule: wine tastings, vineyard walks, gourmet dinners, escape games, and workshops. The festival aims to spotlight the region's wine culture through unique and immersive experiences.
Business
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to unveil a €31 billion budget squeeze next year to reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.7% of GDP. The plan includes spending cuts, new taxes on wealthy holding companies, and a freeze on pension and social benefit increases. Lecornu, recently reappointed after resigning, faces political pressure and possible no-confidence votes as France tackles the euro zone’s largest deficit.
And – While recent data has shown that boat prices have surged 30-50% since Covid, sales are down worldwide. Smaller boats struggle as more people opt for rentals through platforms like Click&Boat. Superyachts remain popular, especially bigger models, though orders fell 10% this year. Manufacturers are innovating with lighter, cheaper boats and greener tech to attract buyers and revive growth.
Sport
Football – Wales lost 4-2 to Belgium in last night's World Cup qualifiers and France drew 2-2 against Iceland. This evening Latvia play England.
And - A new study by the CIES Football Observatory has revealed that Chelsea has the most valuable squad in football, now worth an estimated £1.56 billion—a rise of over £315 million in just one year. Paris Saint-Germain (£1.25bn) and Real Madrid (£1.46bn) rank closely behind.
Motorsport - Ferrari has unveiled key technical features of its upcoming all-electric car, the Elettrica, set for release in spring of next year. Alongside the car, Ferrari also introduced the Hypersail, a giant sailing yacht designed to challenge major records, signalling the brand’s new ventures on both land and sea.
Weather
Sunny intervals with highs of 23 degrees in the Alpes Maritimes. Moderate to strong winds expected by this afternoon. This evening going down to 15 degrees. The outlook for tomorrow, sunny with highs of 25 degrees and a gentle breeze.
Sunrise 07.43am Sunset 06.48pm
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has conveyed his “deep relief” following the release of Israeli hostages held since the tragic October 7, 2023, attack....
Read More
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s second government takes office today, combining political and technocratic ministers, but it faces immediate threat...
Read More
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has named a new cabinet after his first attempt last week was scrapped over criticism. The revised team blends...
Read More
The Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments will enjoy a sunny and calm weekend with clear skies and mild temperatures reaching up to 27°C. ...
Read More
International leaders have welcomed the announcement of a breakthrough peace deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered as part of U.S. President Donald ...
Read More
