French and Riviera News Wednesday 15th October 2025

News

Free vaccination centre - A free vaccination centre at 10 Rue Hancy in central Nice is now offering COVID-19 and flu shots without an appointment as part of the national autumn campaign. Open Monday to Thursday (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Friday (until 3:45 p.m.), the center also provides other mandatory vaccines. While priority is given to vulnerable groups, anyone can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Bring ID and health documents. More info: 04.92.17.44.90 or service.vaccinations@ville-nice.fr.

France adds more unmarked speed camera cars in 2025 – Motorists in France should be on alert as 40 new unmarked mobile speed camera cars are hitting the roads this year. The Ford Focus vehicles, equipped with rear-tinted windows, are harder to spot and part of an expanded enforcement effort. The mobile radar cars will now operate in more regions, including the Bouches-du-Rhône and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

French farmers protest in Paris - French farmers have taken to the streets of Paris to protest the EU’s proposed Mercosur trade deal, which they argue threatens their livelihoods. Starting at Les Invalides and heading toward the Eiffel Tower, the demonstration caused traffic disruptions from midday on Tuesday. Farmers oppose the deal over concerns it will allow cheaper, lower-standard agricultural imports from South America. The EU aims to finalize the agreement by the end of the year.

Illegal weapons seized - Nearly 300 illegal weapons have been seized from the home of a gunsmith near Marseille. The raid was conducted by the National Directorate of Intelligence and Customs Investigations as part of efforts to combat arms trafficking. A criminal investigation is now underway.

Jacques Chirac Museum burgled - The Jacques Chirac Museum in Sarran, Corrèze, has been burgled for the second time in less than 48 hours. Four armed suspects wearing balaclavas allegedly threatened museum staff and visitors before fleeing with a cash register and at least one collector’s watch. All four were arrested and remain in custody. Access to the museum and its grounds has been closed off as investigations continue.

Fly invasion frustrates residents in Nice - An unusual October heatwave in Nice has brought an unwelcome guest: swarms of flies. From restaurant terraces to public parks like the Promenade du Paillon, locals are struggling with the persistent insects that thrive in the warm, humid conditions. With daytime temperatures hovering around 24°C, this Indian summer has created ideal breeding grounds for flies, much to the annoyance of residents and tourists alike. But relief may be on the horizon — cooler weather is expected soon, likely sending the flies into hibernation… until next year.

Young voices take the spotlight at Monaco’s only TEDxYouth Event - The International School of Monaco (ISM) is set to host the Principality’s only TEDxYouth event this Saturday, October 18th, under the theme “The Power of Perspective.” Now in its fourth year, the student-led event will feature original talks by speakers aged 11 to 16, alongside contributions from an ISM parent and teacher.  Chosen by the students, this year’s theme explores how personal perspectives shape culture, communication, and understanding. The event highlights ISM’s commitment to nurturing confident, globally minded students.

Ginette Laplaige, 90, crowned ‘Super Mamie’ - Golfe-Juan’s Ginette Laplaige, 90, has been named Super Mamie 06 after a summer spent climbing Mont Mounier in the Mercantour. The great-grandmother now heads to the national finals in Amiens this December, backed by her large and proud family. Known for her fearless spirit, Ginette shrugs off challenges — and is already planning her next one: paragliding. Originally from Paris, she’s become a local media star, proving age is no barrier to adventure — or ambition.

Var Pizzaiolo Crowned 2025 Pizza World Champion in Rome Finally, Christian Lopez, a pizzaiolo from Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer in the Var region, has been named the 2025 Pizza World Champion at the Pizza World Cup in Rome. Standing out among 600 international competitors, Lopez won over the jury with a unique Mediterranean creation based on octopus, a family-inspired recipe passed down from his Sicilian and Spanish roots.

Business

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has said that she sees no signs of disorder in the eurozone bond market despite France’s ongoing budget crisis. Lagarde said, "We are monitoring financial markets... but there's nothing disorderly at the moment." She added that the ECB has tools and conditions ready to act if needed.

And - The US government has seized over $14 billion in bitcoin and charged the founder of Cambodia’s Prince Group, with orchestrating a massive cryptocurrency fraud. As part of a joint US-UK operation, his businesses were sanctioned, and the UK froze assets including 19 London properties, one valued at nearly £100 million. Prince Group has yet to respond to requests for comment.

Sport

Football – England have beaten Latvia 5-0 in the World Cup qualifiers, meanwhile Italy beat Isreal 3-0.

Cricket - Former England bowler Stuart Broad has claimed Australia are heading into this winter’s Ashes with their “worst” side since 2010. His comments came in response to David Warner's bold 4-0 series win prediction for Australia.

Rugby - Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell, fresh from leading the British and Irish Lions, will name his squad this Wednesday for next month’s autumn internationals.

Weather

Sunny with a moderate breeze. High of 24 degrees. This evening going down to 14 degrees with clear skies. The outlook for tomorrow remaining fine and sunny highs of 23 degrees.

And Finally

The town hall of Roquefort-la-Bédoule in Bouches-du-Rhône has mistakenly been put up for sale on the popular site Le Bon Coin for €420,000. The listing, still online as of October 14, 2025, describes the building as a "very beautiful townhouse" with three bedrooms and a 45 m² south-facing terrace. However, the mayor, Marc Del Grazia, confirmed to local media that the municipality has no intention of selling the building, calling the listing "a misunderstanding." The property clearly shows the French flags on its façade in the listing photos. Around thirty people have shown interest, attracted by the "calm" and "quality features" advertised. The real estate agency responsible, based in nearby Cuges-les-Pins, has yet to respond to requests for explanation.

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