News
March in Nice protesting plans for public square to be named after former French President - Dozens of left-wing activists have marched through Nice, protesting plans to name a public square after former president Nicolas Sarkozy, the march occurred on Tuesday evening, just hours after he began a five-year prison sentence. The symbolic march highlighted other city streets named after convicted politicians, with organisers calling the tribute to Sarkozy “intolerable”. Critics say the mayor of Nice, Christian Sarkozy, is wrong to honour a figure recently jailed, and are urging the city to choose more unifying names instead.
Marineland calls for urgent action - Marineland marine park in Antibes, is urging French authorities to step in and secure the urgent transfer of its last orcas and dolphins to Spain. The park, closed since January, warns that ageing facilities now pose serious risks to both animals and staff. While Spain has agreed to take some of the dolphins, talks over moving the orcas have stalled. Marineland says the situation is critical and is calling on the French government to act before it's too late.
Changes to phone network in the Var - The copper phone and ADSL network is being switched off in parts of the Var. From January 2026, residents in La Crau, Le Pradet and Carqueiranne will lose access to fixed-line phones and internet unless they switch to fibre. Orange says the ageing copper network is no longer fit for purpose, urging remaining users to migrate quickly to avoid losing service. Over 25,000 homes are affected in this first phase of shutdowns in the region.
Property managers facing heavy penalties - Dozens of property managers, or syndics and construction bosses on the Côte d’Azur are facing heavy penalties in a major corruption case. Prosecutors have proposed steep fines, bans from working, and public disclosure of judgments, after a three-year probe uncovered lavish gifts, from luxury trips to World Cup tickets, exchanged for contracts. Lawyers say the proposed punishments are “disproportionate”, and most of the accused are refusing to respond, setting the stage for a potential courtroom showdown.
Traffic on the French Italian border - Tensions are rising over traffic chaos near the Ventimiglia pay toll and Airole tunnels, as the mayor of Breil-sur-Roya urges his Italian counterpart to act. French mayor Sébastien Olharan says poor traffic flow, safety risks, and a wave of speeding fines are frustrating local residents. He’s calling for clearer speed limits, completed roadworks, and better access for cyclists. The mayor of Ventimiglia responded, calling the concerns “legitimate” but insisted solutions must come through proper channels and that some issues lie beyond his control.
Residents and parents oppose the arrival of a McDonalds - A planned McDonald’s in the small town of Le Rouret, near Nice, is stirring controversy. The fast-food giant wants to open just metres from the local secondary school, a move strongly opposed by residents and parents. Locals argue it’s the wrong fit for the town and could harm children’s health and local businesses.
Weather warning - Météo-France has issued warnings ahead of Thursday, as strong winds and heavy rain are set to sweep across much of the country. Gusts over 100 km/h are expected along the Channel, Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, with parts of Brittany seeing up to 130 km/h overnight. A sharp drop in temperatures will follow, staying below 15°C in most areas, except the Mediterranean. Stormy showers, possible tornados, and flooding are also forecast, though meteorologists note the rain could help ease unusually dry soil conditions.
Restaurant charges - A father has been left shocked after being charged nearly 66 euros for a high chair for his one-year-old at the renowned restaurant Les Grands Buffets in Narbonne. The restaurant recently scrapped discounts for children, applying a flat rate of €65.90 to all customers, regardless of age. Staff told the family the baby would need to pay full price to sit at the table, or be held throughout the meal. The restaurant says the policy reflects a “premium experience” and admits it may deter some families.
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Weather
Dry and sunny across the Cote d'Azur today. Some breeze but staying warm with highs of 23 in Nice. We're still expecting storms across the region tomorrow - with strong winds and thunder.
Dozens of left-wing activists have marched through Nice, protesting plans to name a public square after former president Nicolas Sarkozy, the march oc...
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Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has started a jail sentence for campaign finance conspiracy today...
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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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