Day 3117 (Saturday) 20th December 2025 

This is Castle Hill in Nice

and this is the Prom in Nice.

This Urban Race is on tonight and hopefully there will be lots of photos on Facebook tomorrow, here’s what we know so far…by the way, this photo was taken on Rue Obscure, which is below our flat so we’ll have a great view.

Save the date: the Villefranche-sur-Mer night-time Urban Trail is back.

The must-see sporting event of the end of the year is fast approaching: the Trail de la Mounta Cala returns to Villefranche-sur-Mer for an edition full of slopes, descents... and celebrations. On Saturday 20 December 2025 from 5pm, the town will be lit up to welcome this night-time urban race in a magical setting, between the sea and the cobbled streets.
 
Three formats, for all audiences:
- A 5 km walk starting at 5 p.m., open to all, to enjoy the scenery and winter atmosphere.
- An adult race of approximately 10 km at 6 p.m., through the illuminated streets of Villefranche, accessible to different profiles (cadets, juniors, seniors, veterans).
- A free children's race for 3-15 year olds, with adapted routes.
The race will start from the Pont Levis de la Citadelle, then descend and climb (Mounta Cala) through the streets, quays and Promenade des Marinières.
The night race will be festive, with a Christmas atmosphere guaranteed with lights, DJs and food stands...
Some practical information to help you prepare:
- Remember to bring a headlamp or suitable lighting: this is a night race.
- Registration is required: there is a fee for the adult race (around €20).
 
As a runner looking to improve, even walking or a more relaxed format can be great fun training towards the end of the season.
  
The setting: Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its quays, narrow streets and bay... a significant visual bonus, even if the clock isn't the main objective.
 
In short: go there to run, walk or simply enjoy a wonderful sporting event with family or friends. We'll definitely be there.

Les étrennes: How much to tip at Christmas or New Year in France

Les étrennes: How much to tip at Christmas or New Year in France. Photo: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP

The French may have a reputation for not tipping, but they do have a festive tradition which breaks that stereotype. Here's what you need to know about the old custom of 'les étrennes'.

The French might be said to be among the stingiest tippers in the world but that reputation does not take into account a longstanding custom that still exists, although it is said to be slowly dying out.

Around the end of the year - traditionally at New Year but sometimes also over Christmas - is the time to thank the "man/woman on the street" or in their apartment block, or even in their home.

It’s long been a tradition in France to give workers like postal workers, firefighters, rubbish collectors, cleaners, caretakers and concierges (les gardiens in your apartment block) an envelope with anything from €10 to €50 as a token of your gratitude.

These little financial shows of gratitude are called "étrennes".

Etrennes can also take the form of a Christmas/New Year gift.

France has the Romans to thank for this selfless act. They worshipped Strenua, the goddess of the New Year, purity and well-being, and as a result they exchanged gifts as good omens.

The tradition has lived on in France despite being banned after the French Revolution.

While the tradition remains, some suggest the custom appears to be dying out somewhat with one poll showing that only 18 percent of French people will hand over cash this year.

For the president of the country's union of concierges the tradition is dying out partly because people feel they have less cash to spare.

"Most people, whether or not they are owners or tenants, when you hear them speak, they talk of the problems that they have, the cost of the concierge or the expensive charges (extra-costs for the upkeep of the apartment block), so we understand," said Slavica Nikolic.

But the burning question asked in France each year is combien? In other words: how much should I give?

It's important to remember that you are under no obligation to give anyone a tip and there's no official rules to follow for how much to give.

This is the time of year when people may also go door-to-door selling calendars  - this is different to les étrennes, and there are strict rules about who is allowed to sell calendars.

The concierge/gardien: If you live in an apartment block and the building’s caretaker has been particularly helpful and polite, anything from €30 to €50. Although residents who have been there a few years may well give more, especially if the gardien or gardienne has also been there a while. 

There is an unwritten rule that renters should give 10 percent of their monthly rent, so €100 for anyone who pays €1,000 a month rent.

But it's worth noting that giving the "étrennes" is not obligatory so if you really can't stand your concierge, if you never see him/her, or if your block is a mess, then don't feel you have to part with a penny.

On the other hand, this is the person who is in charge of receiving your packages throughout the year and who you sometimes must leave a spare key with - it's probably unwise to annoy them.

Whether or not you tip others is also a personal choice - if you do, the French bank Boursorama gives a guideline amount of €5-€10 for people working for an organisation like the postal service or waste collectors, and €20-€50 for people who provide a personal service like cleaners.

Here's a look at the other groups who you might tip;

The poste: Postal workers should get between €5 and €10, France TV Info argues.

The cleaner: Between €20 and €50 is the recommended amount. But remember the times your place was a mess and how the cleaner left it looking sparkling before you hosted all those guests? That and the fact that they are likely underpaid anyway means many people choose to opt for the higher amount for their cleaner.

The rubbish collectors: A €5-€10 bill for France’s rubbish collectors. They’re doing the job none of us want to do, they get up at an ungodly hour and they rake it in, literally but not metaphorically. (If you've ever lived through a waste collectors' strike you will probably give more after realising just how essential these guys are).

Firefighters: €5 to €10 for the sapeurs-pompiers. Some 78 percent of France’s 244,900 firefighters are volunteers so they’ve definitely earned more than just a pat on the back.

Many firefighters also sell calendars at this time of year, but the money from these usually goes to firefighter charities or benevolent funds, rather than directly in the pompier's pocket. 

Speaking of pompiers, local brigades sell their own calendars but there is also another, somewhat more raunchy offering whose proceeds also go to charity. You're welcome.

 

I’m sure this one is staged but I like it anyway.