News
Cruise passenger dies off Côte d’Azur, body transported to Cannes - A 61-year-old British woman died of a suspected heart attack while on a cruise off the coast of Cannes during the night of Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 October 2025. Despite medical efforts onboard, she was pronounced dead in her cabin. The ship was anchored between Cannes and the Lérins Islands at the time. Her body was brought ashore for a forensic examination, which found no suspicious circumstances.
Nicolas Sarkozy to begin prison sentence over Libya funding scandal - Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy will enter La Santé prison today, Tuesday 21st October, to begin a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy, following his conviction over illicit campaign financing from Muammar Gaddafi’s regime during the 2007 presidential race. Sarkozy, 70, becomes the first postwar French leader and the first former EU head of state to serve time in prison. He denies wrongdoing and has appealed, but must begin his sentence as the legal process continues. He will be held in solitary confinement for security reasons, with limited personal items and no privileges.
Pay gap means women in france ‘work for free’ from 10 november - In 2025, French women will symbolically stop being paid at 11:31 a.m. on 10 November, due to the persistent gender pay gap, currently at 14.2%, according to INSEE. The date, calculated annually by feminist newsletter Les Glorieuses, marks the point in the year when, compared to men, women effectively begin “working for free” until 31 December. While the date is two days later than in 2024, campaigners say the shift reflects calendar changes, not real progress.
Near miss at Nice airport prompts urgent reforms -France’s transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has announced a raft of measures to strengthen air traffic control in south-east France, following a near-collision at Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport last month. Speaking to French media, Tabarot confirmed that 30 new air traffic controllers will be deployed across the region over the next three years, including several in Nice, one of France’s busiest airports. The move follows a serious incident on 21 September, when a Nouvelair aircraft began descending towards a runway occupied by an easyJet plane preparing for take-off. A last-minute go-around averted disaster. The BEA is still investigating. Tabarot acknowledged the pressure controllers face, noting that Nice handles traffic levels comparable to Paris Charles-de-Gaulle with similar staffing. In response, he also announced the introduction of biometric ID checks in control towers to verify attendance and ensure "rigour" among staff. The changes come amid wider scrutiny of delays and safety concerns at the airport, as the French government moves to modernise infrastructure and tighten oversight.
White march held in tribute to motorcyclist killed near nice - A white march will take place today, Tuesday, 21st October, in memory of Eddy Buyle, a motorcyclist and father who died one year ago in an accident under the Condamine tunnel in Cantaron near Nice. The tribute will begin at 11:30am from the Pointe de Contes roundabout and proceed towards the tunnel, retracing Eddy's final journey. His family has asked participants to wear white as a symbol of peace, and a commemorative plaque will be placed at the site. The Paillon penetrant will be closed between 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., with a diversion via the D2204.
Prince Albert II of Monaco visits Oise to honour Grimaldi heritage - Prince Albert II of Monaco has visited the Oise region to pay tribute to two historic Grimaldi women: Louise d’Aumont-Mazarin and Marie Catherine de Brignole-Sale. In Guiscard, the Prince inaugurated a cultural centre named Grimaldi, marking the town’s entry into the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network. The town has ancestral ties to Louise d’Aumont-Mazarin, who married Prince Honoré IV of Monaco in the 18th century. Later, at the Château de Chantilly, the Prince opened the exhibition From Monaco to Chantilly, celebrating Enlightenment-era princess Marie Catherine de Brignole-Sale.
Princess Charlene to co-produce christmas show in monaco with famed choreographer - Princess Charlene of Monaco is teaming up with renowned choreographer Hassan El Hajjami — known as Haspop — to present a festive family show, Monaco Under the Stars, on 22 and 23 December under the Fontvieille marquee. Blending dance, circus arts and storytelling, the show follows a young boy named Elliott on a magical journey through time. All proceeds will benefit the Princess Charlene Foundation and Monaco’s SPA, causes close to the Princess’s heart. Tickets range from €10 to €35 and are now available for booking.
Gastronomic charity dinner in Toulon to support restos du cœur - On 27 November, restaurant Milady in Toulon’s Mourillon district will host a high-end charity dinner in aid of the Restos du Cœur. All proceeds will go directly to the association, helping fund around 5,000 meals. Renowned chef Michel Roth, former Ritz head chef and Bocuse d’Or winner, will team up with resident chef Antoine Lelli to prepare a refined twelve-course menu using seasonal, local produce. Only 40 seats are available, priced at €250 each. The chefs and partners are volunteering their time, and sponsors are covering ingredient costs. Reservations can be made via the Restos du Cœur du Var website.
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A big contrast to yesterday across the Cote d'Azur. Sunny with occasional cloud cover, highs of 21 degrees Celsius with a moderate breeze. And there will be more of the same tomorrow
A 61-year-old British woman died of a suspected heart attack while on a cruise off the coast of Cannes during the night of Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 Oc...
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The Louvre museum in Paris remains closed today as investigations continue into yesterday’s burglary. ...
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A bold robbery at the Louvre Museum has stunned authorities and art lovers on Sunday morning. At around 9:30 a.m., a team of four thieves used a crane...
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The body of a man has been found in the port of Marseille
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The trial of Dahbia Benkired, 27, begins today, Friday, October 17th, 2025, in Paris. She stands accused of the 2022 torture, rape, and murder of 12-y...
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