News
France’s minister for digital affairs working towards ban on social media for children under 15 - France's Minister for Digital Affairs Clara Chappaz has announced that she is "actively working" towards a ban on social media for children under 15. Speaking to French media on Tuesday she highlighted the importance of the issue as a "major health problem" for young people. The proposal follows a 2024 report requested by President Emmanuel Macron, which assessed the impact of screens and social media on children. The minister praised the ongoing public debate on the subject, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the effects of social media on youth. The call for such a ban was also supported by former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and child psychiatrist Marcel Rufo, who warned of the growing mental health risks, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, linked to screen usage.
Strike action - In local news, round 500 medical interns, students, and private doctors demonstrated in Nice on Tuesday against a new proposal that would limit their freedom to establish their practices. The bill aims to combat the shortage of healthcare professionals in urban areas, requiring young doctors to set up practices in those regions or work two days a month in regions without a doctor. Protestors voiced strong opposition, arguing that such measures won't solve the problem. The protest is part of a larger ongoing debate about how to address the increasing shortage of healthcare professionals across France.
Landmark decision by Aix Court of Appeal - In a landmark decision, Russia has been recognized as the owner of two significant sites in Nice, after a lengthy legal battle. The Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Russia, granting possession of the Church of Saints Nicholas and Alexandra, and the Caucade Cemetery, both historically tied to the Russian Orthodox Church. These sites, originally acquired by the imperial family in the 19th century, had been under the management of the Russian Orthodox Religious Association (Acor) since the 1920s. However, the court ruled that the properties were always intended to remain under Russian state ownership, marking a defeat for Acor, which had fought to retain control. The decision follows a similar ruling in 2013 when Russia reclaimed the Orthodox Cathedral in Nice. The move has left many local worshippers, who had gathered at these sites for decades, uncertain about their future.
Monaco E-Prix - Monaco is set for a thrilling month of motorsport with the Monaco E-Prix this weekend on May 3rd and 4th, followed by the 82nd Formula 1 Grand Prix from May 22nd to 25th. However, residents and visitors should be prepared for significant traffic disruptions, road closures, and limited pedestrian access during both events. Key roads, including Quai des États-Unis and Route de la Piscine, will be closed to vehicles, while others will see changes to traffic flow and parking restrictions. Public transport will also be affected, with some bus routes adjusted. Parking will be limited throughout the city, and electric vehicle charging stations will be temporarily unavailable. Real-time traffic updates will be available via Waze to help navigate the changes.
Sea Cloud II in the port of Nice - Locals as well as visitors were treated to a stunning sight in the port of Nice on Tuesday, as the luxurious three-masted cruise ship, Sea Cloud II, docked in the port. This majestic vessel, returning from a four-day journey from Spain, is a rare visitor to the French Riviera. The Sea Cloud II is part of an exclusive cruise line offering world trips.
World of Asterix returns to Netflix today - Finally, Alain Chabat returns to the world of Asterix with "Le Combat des Chefs" (The Battle of the Chiefs), an animated miniseries now available from today April 30th on Netflix. Chabat, who achieved massive success with Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra in 2002, has crafted a five-episode series based on the iconic comic's seventh instalment. In this new project, set in 50 BC, Asterix and Obelix defend their village from the Roman invaders using the magical potion. The series introduces new characters, including female figures like Metadata, a clever advisor working for Julius Caesar. The storyline also explores the deep friendship between Asterix and Obelix through a heartfelt flashback.
Business
The CEO of Starbucks has announced that they plan to hire more staff and slow down its push for automation, aiming to improve customer experience in its stores. While many food and drink chains are turning to technology to cut costs, Starbucks is choosing a more people-focused approach amid falling sales and shifting consumer habits. The company also reported disappointing financial results on Tuesday.
France has approved a new counter-narcotics law aimed at tackling the rise in drug-related crime. The law introduces tougher measures in response to a record surge of South American cocaine entering Europe. Key provisions include the creation of a national prosecutor's office for organised crime, isolating dangerous drug dealers in prisons, and allowing for the shutdown of businesses involved in laundering drug money.
And - France has proposed introducing fees on low-value e-commerce packages coming into the European Union starting next year. The move aims to tighten controls on online platforms which ship inexpensive items to European consumers without duties. While the EU plans to end duty-free treatment for packages valued under 150 euros by 2028, France's proposal for handling fees is a temporary measure.
Sport
Football – Arsenal now face an uphill battle to reach the Champions League final after a 1-0 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final first leg on Tuesday evening. This evening Barcelona are at home to Inter Milan. Kick off is at 9pm French time.
Tennis - Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Italian Open, dealing another setback to his build-up for this year’s French Open. Tournament organisers confirmed the six-time Rome champion will not take part in next week’s event, marking the first time since 2007 that the Serb will miss it. Djokovic, now 37 and ranked world number five, has yet to win a title this season and hasn't lifted a trophy since the 2024 Olympics in Paris. With early losses in both Monte Carlo and Madrid, and now missing Rome, Djokovic may go into Roland Garros later this month without any significant clay-court match play. He remains one win away from his 100th ATP title and has previously claimed the French Open crown three times.
Rugby Union - Les Kiss will become head coach of the Australian national rugby team in 2026, replacing Joe Schmidt ahead of the Wallabies' home Rugby World Cup in 2027. Schmidt will continue in charge through the British and Irish Lions series, the Rugby Championship, and next year’s inaugural Nations Cup.
Golf - The UK government has said it is for the R&A to decide where The Open Championship is held, following reports that US President Donald Trump has made repeated attempts to bring the 2028 tournament to his Turnberry course in Scotland. Trump and White House officials have allegedly raised the matter with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, seeking the event’s return. While Downing Street has not denied the reports, a spokesperson said any communication with sporting bodies is simply “part of the business of government” — not an indication of influence over hosting decisions. The R&A, which organises The Open, has yet to confirm its position.
Cycling - Britain’s Samuel Watson claimed a stunning win in the opening time trial of the Tour of Romandie. The 23-year-old secured the yellow jersey in what was his first WorldTour win. Stage one continues on Wednesday with a challenging 194.4km route featuring four categorised climbs. The 2025 Tour de Romandie is a road cycling stage race held between 29 April and 4 May 2025 in Romandy, the French-speaking part of western Switzerland.
Weather
Sunny with light winds. Highs of 22 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Menton. 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez. 23 degrees in Antibes. This evening going down to 14 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday, fine and sunny with light winds and highs of 23-24 degrees.
Sunrise 06.23am
Sunset 08.31pm
Weather elsewhere
London 23° sunny.
Madrid 22° light rain.
Glasgow 22° sunny.
Beach weather
Nice – Fine and sunny. Air temperature 22°. Sea temperature 18°. UV level 6.
Hyeres – Fine and sunny. Air temperature 19°. Sea temperature 17°. UV level 6.
Photo - Villefranche-sur-Mer. Did you know? This charming coastal town boasts one of the deepest natural harbours in the Mediterranean — so deep, in fact, that even large cruise ships can anchor just offshore. It's been a safe haven for sailors since Roman times!
France's Minister for Digital Affairs Clara Chappaz has announced that she is "actively working" towards a ban on social media for children under 15. ...
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Sunny with light winds. Highs of 22 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Menton. 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez. 23 degrees in Antibes. ...
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Around 1,000 residents in East Nice have experienced a power outage on the morning of the 29th of April, mainly affecting streets like Impasse des Lis...
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A yellow weather alert is in place today, Tuesday April 29th, for the Alpes-Maritimes department, with Météo France warning of thunderstorms across pa...
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As we approach May 1st, 2025, several important changes are set to take effect in France as with every first of the month, affecting everything from t...
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