France has overtaken Sweden to regain its title as the top exporter of energy in Europe, with the UK and Italy being its biggest markets.
After a period of setbacks in 2022, France is back on top as the biggest provider of energy to other countries in Europe, retaking the reins from Sweden, who temporarily surpassed L’Hexagone.
The news comes from a report put out by energy analysts EnAppSys on the European electricity market, which highlighted imports and exports during the first half of 2023. During this period, total net exports in France came to 17.6TWh (trillion-watt hours), while Sweden exported a solid 14.6TWh.
NUCLEAR AND HYDRO
The exports are the equivalent of powering of five million homes for a year. Britain and Italy were the main recipients of this power, with the former importing 8TWh and the latter slightly more at 9TWh.
“The cause for the increase of exports in France versus the previous year was an increased availability of the country’s nuclear assets,” said the director of data analysis at EnAppSys, Jean-Paul Harreman. “Although availability is still 10-15% lower than normal, the increase in capacity of between five and 10GW versus last year helped to flip the French energy balance to export again.”
As the UK’s Daily Telegraph put it, after the country’s state-backed nuclear power operator “finally fixed cracks in its aging fleet of reactors”, French producers have been able to step up production once again and become Europe’s leaders in power generation.
Nuclear assets in France experienced serious downturns in output last year when many were shut down due to maintenance issues. EDF, the country’s state-backed nuclear power operator, was able to raise the reactor’s output by 20% in 2023, adding to France’s overall energy production totals and helping the nation become the major exporter once again.
Another contributing factor, EnAppSys’s Harreman said, was a swell in hydropower production due to heavy rains in the first six months of 2023.
GERMANY FALLS, SPAIN STEPS IN
Once the third biggest exporter, Germany has now become a consumer after shutting down its last three nuclear plants this year, leaving Spain to slide into its spot.
“Spain still profits from a lower gas price for power generation and massive renewable generation,” Harreman explained. “A massive solar capacity increase in Spain (also) drove exports higher.”
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The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco will play host to the Champions League and Europa League group-stage draws in a fortnight’s time.
Following a three-year absence, the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League draws return to Monaco’s iconic Grimaldi Forum. Given the novelty of the latter competition, it will be the first time that the group stage draw for the tournament will take place within the Principality.
The event is often star-studded and is well attended by the participating clubs, who often send their sporting director, or president, to the presentation. The draws for the Champions League and Conference League will take place on 31st August, whilst the draw for the Europa League will take place a day later on 1st September.
The draws will decide the composition of the groups. The top two sides advance from the group stages into the knockout phase of the competition(s).
Last season, Manchester City were crowned champions of Europe for the first time by beating Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Turkey. This year, the final will take place at Wembley Stadium in London. The final of the Europa League, which was won by Sevilla last season, will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Finally, the Conference League final will be held in Athens, a competition won by West Ham United last season.
However, before the teams go their different ways and follow their own paths, they will all converge on the Principality, where they will learn their fate.
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Castles are everywhere in France, as many as 45,000 across the country by some counts. Down in the south, they’re less in number than in other regions, but there are still some real beauties to be discovered.
The Palais Princier de Monaco is more of a palace than a castle. That said, the ancestral home of the Grimaldi family and the Principality’s reigning sovereign of Prince Albert II should still be on your list of “castles” to visit, particularly to admire the stunning frescos and rooms that have been brought back to life by a professional restoration team over the last 10 years.
But if you venture beyond the boundaries of the Principality, there are plenty of ancient regal seats and stately homes that are classed as châteaux. Here are five of our favourites.
The 10th century Château de Roquebrune, perched at 300 metres above sea level, is a short drive from Monaco. Though small in size, it has a great story of soldier life in the medieval period as well as a long connection with the Grimaldi family to share with visitors.
The views across the Mediterranean and over Monaco itself from this site are really hard to beat. Coupled with a visit to the town’s truly ancient olive tree – it is estimated to be between 1,800 and 2,200 in age – and the quaint, cobbled village below the castle, a trip to the Château de Roquebrune makes for a great afternoon out.
Small in size, but packed with stories: the Château de Roquebrune. Photo credit: Drone de Regard / Ville de Roquebrune Cap Martin
Over in Nice, the Colline du Château or Castle Hill as it’s known in English is an often-overlooked attraction in the city. Found at the crest of the hill between the old town and the port neighbourhood, this place has a very long history, with signs of inhabitation dating back as far at 3,000BCE.
Various structures have been erected here over those long years, but the castle likely reached its heights in the 16th century. Today, not much remains in terms of buildings to visit as King Louis XIV ordered the near complete destruction of the site in the early 18th century, but there are traces of foundations to be discovered. The park is the main draw, with nearly 20 hectares of green spaces, woodland and, of course, the “must-visit” spot of the foundation to enjoy, as well as picturesque views of the city from every aspect.Walk up or take the lift most of the way on a hot day!
Hike to the top of Castle Hill in Nice for epic views of the city. Photo source: Mathieu de Blieux, Unsplash
Next up is the Château Grimaldi in Haut de Cagnes, with its clear connections to Monaco’s ruling family. It was built in 1309 by Rainier I and renovated extensively in the 17th century in an Italian style; expect lots of marble, sculptural details and gold. It is home to numerous temporary and permanent exhibitions throughout the year, and houses several stunning painted ceilings and frescos.
Parking is tricky in Haut de Cagnes, so park in Cagnes sur Mer below and hitch a lift up on the free shuttle, Number 44, from the bus station.
The Château Grimaldi in Haut de Cagnes. Photo source: Ville de Cagnes sur Mer
The Château de la Napoule is a real gem. Like many of the other castles in the south of France, the site on which it is built has a long history and dates back until at least the Roman occupation of the Riviera. But the castle as we see it today is much more modern.
A fortress was erected in 1387 by the Counts of Villeneuve, but was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the following centuries, having been witness to a succession of attacks, wars and revolutions in the region. In the early 20th century, an American couple, the Clews, discovered the property and snapped it up with dreams of renovating the ruins.
Billionaires Henry and Marie Clews tried to be somewhat faithful to the origins of the place, but also added their own artistic touches, such as the engraving of maxim saying “Once upon a time” at the entrance. As such, the château flits between folly, fantasy and tradition, but don’t let that put you off. It is still a very beautiful site to visit.
Built right on the shoreline, the Château de la Napoule is a mix of fantasy and history. Photo source: Ville de Mandelieu la Napoule
Our final stop on this coastal castle tour is the Citadelle de Saint Tropez, which is today a maritime history museum. It towers over the town below, a jewel in the crown of a place best known for its more glamourous attractions, luxury shopping and yachting haven of a harbour.
Works began in 1602 by the then King Henry IV’s chief engineer, Raymond de Bonnefons, who had been charged with improving the fortifications of Provence against the threat of attacks from the Spanish. Despite its prominent position on the crest of a hill, the fortress slowly lost its prominence from a defensive standpoint and was largely out of action by the 19th century.
After a vast restoration campaign in the 2000s, which saw the donjon tower and dungeons revamped, the site reopened in 2013 as a fascinating maritime museum on the history of “tropezian” sailors and their adventures around the world, and the “precious heritage of generations of fisherman and merchant seamen” from Saint Tropez.
The Citadelle de Saint Tropez stands atop a hill above the popular harbour town. Photo source: Citadelle de Saint Tropez
And if there is still more château chasing that you want to do, why not go for dinner or spend a night at one of the many luxury establishments that bear this title, such as the newly Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel Château Ezra in Eze or the Château Saint-Martin & Spa resort in the hills above Vence.
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Denis Zakaria has joined AS Monaco on a five-year deal in a reported €20m move from Juventus. The Swiss international will join up with manager Adi Hütter for a third time.
The Principality club have secured their third recruit of the summer. After the arrival of Philippe Köhn and Mohammed Salisu, Zakaria is the latest to arrive, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the deal is worth a reported €20m, and he comes in as a complement to, not necessarily as a replacement for, Youssouf Fofana. The France international continues to be linked with a move away, but given Jean Lucas’ departure earlier in the summer, the midfield area was in need of reinforcements.
Zakaria, who has nearly 50 caps for the Swiss national team, spent last season on loan at Premier League side Chelsea, where he made 11 appearances. However, this summer he returned to parent club Juventus. He has now secured a permanent move away from the Serie A club after making the move to Italy in the summer of 2020.
A warm welcome from Hütter
For the third time, Zakaria will link up with Hütter. The Austrian manager, who arrived at the Principality club earlier this summer, worked with Zakaria at Young Boys in Switzerland, as well as at former club Borussia Mönchenglabach. In a video posted on Monaco’s media channels, the pair were seen sharing a warm embrace as the pair prepare to work together again. Hütter revealed on Friday that he had called Zakaria ahead of the move.
“I’ll give everything for us to be at the best level and to chase after the highest position possible,” said Zakaria upon his arrival.
The midfielder may feature at the weekend against Strasbourg in what will be the first game of the season at the Stade Louis II.
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Prince Albert and Princess Charlene will be heading to South Africa next month for the inaugural Sun City Water Bike Challenge of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
“PCMFSA is thrilled to bring the Water Bike Challenge to South Africa and create an exciting platform for raising awareness about water safety,” said Chantell Wittstock, CEO of the Foundation’s arm in South Africa, in a statement. “The event showcases our commitment to saving lives and instilling a water safety culture in our communities. We are also deeply honoured that His and Her Serene Highnesses, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco, will attend the event, supporting the Foundation’s cause.”
The Water Bike Challenge, previously held in Monaco and the island of Corsica, will take place on Saturday 16th September and aims to raise funds for PCMFSA. Princess Charlene is not expected to compete this year.
A gruelling course completed by celebrities and athletes
The event will feature mixed teams of professional athletes and amateurs competing on Schiller S1-C water bikes in a relay race. Participants will cover a 1.2km-loop, completing it 21 times. Each loop will feature a different participant, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the event.
“Spectators and participants will have the opportunity to mingle with international sports stars, celebrities and corporate teams as they come together to secure a brighter future for our children,” states the PCMFSA.
Previously, the Water Bike Challenge in Monaco saw Formula 1 stars such as David Coulthard and Felipe Massa, alongside legendary South African sporting icons John Smit and Percy Montgomery, take part in the gripping race covering a 21km stretch between Nice and Monaco on the Riviera. Princess Charlene herself competed in 2020’s gruelling The Crossing: Calvi – Monaco Water Bike Challenge, while celebrity Victoria Silvstedt was among the celebrities competing in the 2022 edition.
“The South African edition of the Water Bike Challenge promises to be an equally thrilling and memorable experience. We are so excited and can’t wait to see you there!” said Chantell Wittstock.
The Foundation is expected to announce celebrity attendees soon.
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A 47-year-old man with no prior record has reportedly been detained on suspicion of starting a fire in a central Grasse apartment building that killed three and injured many more.
In the early hours of Sunday 13th August, a fire swept through a five-storey apartment building in the Place aux Aires of old town Grasse, killing three and causing injury to more than a dozen other residents.
SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
Surveillance footage shows a man fleeing the scene just minutes before the blaze took hold.
According to local press, the man seen in the recordings has been arrested. The 47-year-old suspect, who is believed to be in custody in Nice, has no prior criminal record.
“The city’s video surveillance revealed that an individual had left the building two minutes before the cameras detected the start of a fire,” Grasse’s Prosecutor Damien Savarzeix said in a statement. “At this stage of the investigation, the respondent denies any involvement in the occurrence of the facts.”
The arrest was made at 8.35pm on the same day that the fire occurred for “deliberate damage by dangerous means resulting in death”, while a psychiatric expert was reportedly called for on Monday 14th August.
GRASSE FIRE KILLED THREE
The intense blaze, which broke out in the building’s stairwell at 2.49am on Sunday, killed two women and one man. The victims have not yet been formally identified due to the injuries sustained, according to Nice Matin.
Three additional people were seriously injured – one remains in a life-threatening situation – and 13 more were treated for smoke inhalation. They have since been released from hospital.
According to initial reports, it took the fire expert on the scene only a short time to rule out an accidental cause and confirm that the fire was an act of arson.
Jérôme Viaud, the mayor of Grasse, told French newspaper Sud-Ouest that the somewhat dilapidated building had no “structural problem”, but that renovation on the façade and common areas was “planned for October”.
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