News
Double call phone scam - A "double call" telephone scam, which is currently spreading across Spain, could soon affect France. It starts with a call claiming your phone bill will increase, followed by a second call offering a better deal from a competing operator. The scam is designed to trick you into signing a contract without consent. To avoid falling for it always verify information by contacting your provider directly. Don’t share personal details over the phone, and remember, you have 14 days to cancel any phone contract you didn’t agree to. Remain vigilant for other similar scams, like fake calls from authorities asking for personal information. Always hang up if you’re unsure and contact the organization directly.
Crisps recalled across France - French supermarket Intermarché has recalled Bouton d'Or salt & vinegar crisps across France due to high levels of acrylamide, a chemical that poses a potential cancer risk. Consumers are urged to return the product for a refund before March 31st.
Man sentenced for riding electric scooter drunk - A man from Draguignan in the Var has been sentenced to two months in prison after being caught riding his electric scooter with a blood alcohol level of 1.6 grams, well above the legal limit. The 30-year-old father, who was wearing a helmet, had his young daughter with him at the time. According to reports he had been celebrating signing a contract with a plumbing company. Missing his first day of work and instead appearing before the Draguignan Criminal Court.
Appeal in Monaco After 4-Year-Old drives Bentley into pedestrian - The father of a 4-year-old boy who accidentally activated a Bentley, knocking down a passer-by, has faced a court appeal. The incident, which occurred on July 16th, 2021, left a 53-year-old Belgian seriously injured in front of the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco. According to reports the child, while his father was distracted, slipped into the driver's seat and caused the accident. Initially, the father was given a one-year suspended sentence and ordered to pay a 100,000 euro fine. In the appeal trial, the prosecutor requested the same sentence along with probation and compensation for the victim. The final decision will be made on May 5th.
Fire near Nice: Eight hectares destroyed - A fire has broken out in Coursegoules in the Alpes-Maritimes, affecting an open field. Firefighters quickly responded on Monday with significant resources, including four Canadair planes, which were already in the area for training. Thanks to the combined efforts of 25 firefighters and 10 vehicles, along with the air support, the fire was brought under control by evening. No homes were threatened, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire scorched eight hectares, and while the cause is still unknown, authorities are investigating.
PACA region hiring forest rangers for this summer – Meanwhile, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region is recruiting 250 seasonal forest rangers, aged 18-25, for this summer. The rangers will patrol natural areas, educate the public, and help prevent wildfires. Applications can be submitted through the regional website.
Nice Carnival 2025: Record-breaking attendance - The 2025 edition of the Nice Carnival, which wrapped up on March 1st, set new attendance records. A total of 240,000 spectators attended the main events, an increase of 40,000 from the previous year. In total, 400,000 visitors participated in the festivities, including the popular Carnavalina and free events. This year’s theme, focused on the Oceans and was a nod to the upcoming United Nations Ocean Summit in Nice. The carnival also featured 1,000 international artists and thousands of local participants. Organizers are already preparing for the 2026 edition.
Menton Lemon Festival – Meanwhile, after the Menton Lemon Festival, the public can now purchase orchids and citrus fruits used in the event. Orchid sales began on March 3rd and sold out quickly, while citrus fruits will be available for purchase starting March 6th at the Biovès Gardens.
Cannes recognized for HIV/AIDS commitment – The city of Cannes has been awarded the "Ville engagée contre le SIDA" label for its efforts in fighting HIV/AIDS through prevention, testing, and support programs. Mayor David Lisnard honoured Dr. Paul Simonet with the city's Gold Medal for his advocacy. Cannes continues to collaborate with local and national partners to raise awareness and provide support to those affected by HIV.
Road works in Nice - The Boulevard de Riquier, connecting Nice’s port to the Saint-Roch district, is being renovated. The first phase of construction began this week, from Place Max-Barel to Rue Scaliero. The goal is to reduce traffic with new crossing platforms, a 30 km/h speed limit, and improve pedestrian safety. The work will also make the area more pleasant with new sidewalks and landscaping. The current phase will last two and a half months, with work being carried out on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Traffic lanes may be reduced, but no significant delays are expected during rush hour. The entire project will be completed by December.
13th Monte-Carlo Fashion Week: A Global Showcase - The 13th Monte-Carlo Fashion Week will be held from April 22nd to the 26th, 2025, at the Monaco Yacht Club. The event will feature top designers and emerging talents showcasing a variety of collections. Industry topics like sustainability will be addressed through runway shows, conferences, and the MCFW Fashion Awards.
MonaCollecte: Monaco’s textile recycling initiative - Monaco City Hall is hosting the 4th edition of MonaCollecte on March the 7th and 8th, focusing on textile recycling. The event will feature collection points, workshops, and activities. It will be held at Quai Antoine 1er, with free entry for all.
New flight to Tours from Nice Airport – Finally, from May 30th, a new flight will connect Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to Tours (Indre-et-Loire). The flights, operated twice a week by Odyssey Airlines, will last 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a brief stop in Nîmes. Prices start at 95 euros for a one-way ticket. This new route offers a convenient alternative to the 8-hour train journey that currently connects the two cities.
Business
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has indicated that President Donald Trump will likely announce a deal today to reduce tariffs on Canada and Mexico. This follows retaliatory import levies imposed by both countries on the US, after Washington’s 25% tariffs took effect on Tuesday. Lutnick emphasized that the US tariffs are expected to be reduced, rather than simply paused.
Meanwhile, China has set a growth target of “around 5%” for this year and plans to inject billions of dollars into its struggling economy. The announcement comes as China faces an ongoing trade war with the US. The news was revealed during the National People's Congress, an annual event where key decisions are made behind closed doors. The gathering this year is particularly significant, as President Xi Jinping faces low consumption, a property crisis, and rising unemployment, all while dealing with new US tariffs on Chinese imports.
And - A Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison Holding, has agreed to sell most of its stake in two crucial Panama Canal ports to a group led by US investment firm BlackRock. This move follows President Donald Trump's repeated concerns about Chinese control of the canal, a vital shipping route. The sale, worth $22.8 billion (£17.8 billion), involves ports at both the Atlantic and Pacific entrances to the canal.
Sport
Football – It was a good night for Arsenal in the Champions League last night as they beat PSV 7-1 and Aston Villa came out winning with a 3-1 win over Club Brugge. In this evening’s Premier League leaders Liverpool will face Paris St-Germain. It will be the first time Liverpool have faced PSG since 2018-19, when the Reds went on to be crowned champions of Europe for the sixth time.
The winners of that tie will face Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarterfinals, while Arsenal will meet record 15-time winners Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the last eight - should they get past PSV.
Athletics - Paula Radcliffe has told reporters that the experience of going through the perimenopause made completing the Tokyo Marathon even "sweeter". The 51-year-old finished in less than three hours on Sunday, her first marathon since retiring in 2015 aged 40.
Rugby Union – Jamie George has said he considered ending his England career because of the shock and pain of losing the captaincy before the start of the Six Nations. Hooker George, 34, succeeded Owen Farrell as England skipper before last year's championship, but was replaced in January. Next up in the Six Nations is England against Italy this Sunday March 9th at Twickenham kick off is at 4pm French time.
Cricket – India have held their nerve to reach the Champions Trophy final with a four-wicket victory over Australia in Dubai. India's win means Sunday's final will be played in Dubai against New Zealand or South Africa, depending on who wins the second semi-final today.
Golf - Tiger Woods' Jupiter Links GC and Rory McIlroy's Boston Common Golf have been eliminated from the TGL after failing to reach the play-offs.
Weather
Fine and sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 15 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez. 17 degrees in Nice and Cannes. This evening going down to 7 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday. Fine and sunny with strong winds forecast in the Var region tomorrow. Friday and heading into the weekend remaining fine. Highs of 17 degrees.
Sunrise 06.59am
Sunset 06.24pm
Weather elsewhere
Palma 19° light cloud Lyon 18° sunny Glasgow 10° light rain
Milan 17° sunny Miami 30° sunny intervals. Berlin 16° sunny.
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