Torrential rain has triggered rockfalls, flooding and widespread traffic disruption across the French Riviera on Thursday, with a major section of the Lower Corniche between Nice and Monaco closed after large boulders crashed onto the road and damaged a roadside barrier.
The severe weather, brought by Storm Charles, has affected communities from Cannes to Menton, with roads submerged, coastal routes closed and emergency services responding to incidents across the Alpes-Maritimes.
One of the most dramatic incidents occurred near Èze, where substantial sections of rock broke away from the cliff face above the RM6098, sending boulders and debris onto the carriageway. Photographs shared by the municipality show large rocks scattered across both lanes, with part of the stone parapet overlooking the Mediterranean badly damaged.
The road was closed in both directions from approximately 10.20am, with no confirmed reopening time. No injuries have been reported in connection with the rockfall.
Major disruption between Nice and Monaco
The closure of the Lower Corniche has disrupted one of the principal coastal routes linking Nice, Èze and Monaco.
According to the municipality of Èze, diversions have been established via Boulevard Édouard VII for motorists approaching from the west and Avenue de Lattre de Tassigny for those travelling from the east.
Further east, another rockfall affected the RD50 between Roquebrune and Cap-Martin, resulting in a partial road closure.
In Menton, authorities closed the Promenade du Soleil (RD52) shortly before 10.45am because of waves overtopping the seafront. The closure was announced for an indefinite period as dangerous coastal conditions persisted.
More than 120mm of rain recorded in Cannes
The heaviest rainfall has affected the western Alpes-Maritimes, where flooding has been reported in several towns.
According to La Chaîne Météo, Cannes had recorded 123mm of rainfall by 1.30pm, including 56mm in just two hours. Mandelieu-la-Napoule recorded 116mm, while Antibes received 104mm.
In Mandelieu, streets in the town centre were flooded as heavy rain overwhelmed drainage systems. Rising water levels also prompted heightened monitoring of local waterways.
Flooding was reported around Mougins and Saint-Laurent-du-Var, while authorities in Cannes responded to problems caused by the intense rainfall, including displaced manhole covers.
Weather warnings remain in force
The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture issued yellow weather warnings for rain and flooding, with heavy precipitation forecast throughout Thursday.
Authorities warned that rainfall totals could reach 70mm, locally rising to 100mm, while thunderstorms could produce particularly intense downpours.
A separate coastal flooding warning was issued, with waves of two to three metres expected along the Mediterranean coastline.
The combination of saturated ground, intense rainfall and rough seas has increased the risk of further landslides, flash flooding and coastal damage.
Motorists are being urged to avoid affected roads, respect closures and check official traffic updates before travelling, particularly between Nice, Èze, Monaco and Menton.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as the storm continues to move across southeastern France.
Photo caption: Large boulders and debris cover the Lower Corniche near Èze following a rockfall during Thursday’s severe weather. Photo: Ville d’Èze.