News
Six Renault models recalled in France over handbrake fault – Carmaker Renault has issued a recall in France for six car models after a fault was found in the automatic handbrake system that could cause vehicles to move unexpectedly. According to the government’s RappelConso website, the parking brake actuator’s position sensor may be incorrectly aligned, meaning the locking pin may not fully engage. This increases the risk of the car rolling when a driver exits or unfastens their seatbelt, although the assisted parking brake remains functional. The affected models, produced between April 2024 and January 2025, include the Captur II, Mégane E-Tech, Scénic E-Tech, Austral, Rafale and Espace VI. The Dacia Duster III made between October 2024 and October 2025 is also impacted. Owners are advised to contact their dealership for checks and, if necessary, free repairs covered by Renault. Full details are available on the RappelConso government website.
French pharmacies call off Autumn strike after government deal - Pharmacies in France have cancelled planned autumn strikes after reaching a new agreement with the government on commercial discounts and sector support. The deal ends months of unrest that began in June and avoids disruption to a service used by around four million people daily. France’s 22,000 pharmacies (officines de ville) are central to community healthcare, offering prescriptions, vaccines, health checks and diagnostic tests. The new measures aim to strengthen their role and stabilise the sector.
France to tighten bank rules on loans and overdrafts - France is set to introduce stricter banking regulations from November 2026, tightening controls on loans and overdrafts in an effort to reduce household debt and improve consumer protection. The reforms, which align French law with a 2023 EU directive, will require banks to assess a customer’s creditworthiness before granting overdrafts, a process currently only applied to personal loans. Borrowers will also have to receive clear, pre-contractual information outlining fees, interest rates and repayment conditions. For overdrafts above €200, banks must review clients’ income, expenses and credit history. Smaller overdrafts under €200 will face lighter checks. The government hopes the new measures will curb what it calls “over-indebtedness” among consumers.
Meanwhile, foreign residents in France are often caught out when their bank card is blocked despite having enough money. This is due to plafonds de carte bancaire, monthly spending limits set by French banks. These rolling 30-day caps, typically between €1,000 and several thousand euros depending on the card, are designed to prevent overspending and protect against fraud. They apply regardless of your account balance, meaning transactions can be refused even if funds are available. Cash withdrawals also have weekly limits, and contactless payments are capped at €50 per transaction. Customers can usually request a temporary or permanent increase to their limit via online banking. The system reflects France’s cautious banking culture, one that will tighten further when new overdraft rules take effect in November 2026.
Warehouse destroyed by fire in Mandelieu - A major fire broke out on Monday evening in a 200m² warehouse on Avenue Gaston-de-Fontmichel in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. The blaze affected the E-Terrasses store in the Port Inland industrial zone. Around 48 firefighters and 27 fire engines were deployed to contain the flames, which were brought under control without spreading to nearby buildings. No injuries were reported, as the premises were closed at the time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though an accidental origin is suspected.
Cannes antiques market struggles as shoppers spend more cautiously - At Cannes’ Allées de la Liberté market, antique dealers are feeling the strain of rising costs, online competition and the loss of foreign customers. Regular vendors say sales have slowed as visitors count their euros more carefully. “Purchases are more reasoned, more thoughtful,” says Sylvie, who sells vintage posters. “The passion is still there, but impulse buys are rare.” Others, like Richard, a stallholder of 30 years, note that younger people are now selling family heirlooms rather than collecting them. Despite the challenges, traders remain loyal to the market’s spirit. “As long as there are curious people,” Richard adds, “we’ll keep going.”
Chanel wins top honour at Monaco’s first high jewellery grand prix - The inaugural Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie, held at Monte-Carlo’s Salle des Étoiles, crowned Chanel’s Sweater Prestige necklace as the finest jewellery piece of the year. Organised by Monte-Carlo SBM and Profirst France, the event celebrated creativity and craftsmanship in luxury jewellery, with Chanel’s winning design praised for its blend of sporty elegance and exceptional artistry. The 18K white gold and platinum piece features diamonds, onyx and 11 emeralds totalling 37.18 carats. Other winners included Louis Vuitton, which received the prize for best gemstone for its Apogée necklace, and Tiffany & Co., honoured with both the Jury’s Special Prize and the Heritage Award. Messika, Dior, Chopard, Sahag Arslanian, and Dolce & Gabbana also received distinctions. Organisers hope the new competition will become a regular highlight in Monaco’s luxury calendar.
Business
British airline Eastern Airways has suspended its operations and cancelled all flights. Passengers are being urged to make alternative arrangements. The carrier - which has an interline agreement with Air France - has begun the administration process.
HSBC has reported pre-tax profits of 7.3 billion US dollars for the third quarter - a drop of 1.2 billion compared to last year. It comes as the banking giant was forced to make legal provisions for those involved in an investment fraud lawsuit.
Wall Street stocks rallied to more records yesterday - ahead of a meeting this week between the heads of the US and China. Stocks climbed to strong gains in Asia, as hopes rise for a clearing of trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.
Sport
Turkey's football federation is launching disciplinary proceedings after hundreds of match officials were found to have betting accounts. Almost two thirds of the 571 people investigated were registered with betting companies - with 152 actively gambling. One official was found to have placed more than 18-thousand bets.
Britain's Cameron Norrie faces a huge challenge at the Paris Masters today as he takes on world tennis number one Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard is returning to the court after taking a break to rest an ankle injury. Elsewhere, Katie Boulter takes on Alexandra Eala at the Hong Kong Open, and Fran Jones is in action at the Chennai Open.
Brendan Rodgers has resigned from his position as manager of Scottish football club Celtic. It brings to an end his second spell at Parkhead - where he won back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles.
Weather
A dry and sunny day across the Cote d'Azur. Staying bright and slightly breezy with highs of 21 degrees in Monaco. It'll be a clear night with lows of 12 - some showers expected tomorrow.
Carmaker Renault has issued a recall in France for six car models after a fault was found in the automatic handbrake system that could cause vehicles ...
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Traffic is still disrupted early this evening on the A8 motorway near Antibes after a major vehicle fire earlier today. The carriageway in the directi...
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French police have arrested two men suspected of involvement in the spectacular €88 million jewel theft from the Louvre museum in Paris last week. ...
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The Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture has issued a warning about sea conditons
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Storm Benjamin swept across France on Thursday, battering much of the country with winds exceeding 160 km/h and leaving one person dead in Corsica. By...
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