Nice

RYLAN has apologised after being forced to pull out of his BBC Radio Two show.

The 37-year-old was due to be on air today, but failed to make it home from Nice, France.

The radio host had to be replaced at the eleventh hour after being stranded abroad.

Calling into Emma Willis‘ show to explain his predicament, Rylan said: “I decided to go away with my partner and a couple of my friends to Nice for a few days and just enjoy the sun.

“I didn’t have work this week, I’d managed to clear my diary and I was like, that’s amazing.

“I was flying back very early this morning, so I went to the airport and it was like, ‘no’.

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“I was like, “sorry?’

“At one point I was going to get on an eight-hour train, which still would have made me late for work, but would have got me home today.

“In the end I thought, ‘you know what, you’ve done well for yourself, I’m just going to stay another day’.

“What can I do? I’m not going to be able to make the show today so I thought I can either really stress myself out about this and sweat my foundation off my forehead or I’m just going to have to swallow it and deal with it and go, ‘what a shame, there’s worse places to be’.”

Rylan was replaced by Mark Goodier, with a BBC rep confirming on social media: “Rylan got stranded somewhere Nice…”

Rylan replied in the comments, writing: “So unprofessional.”

He also went on his Instagram, telling fans: “Soz about today’s show.

“I blame everyone but myself.

“Genuinely had it all sussed out and then flights all cancelled.

“Thanks Mark for stepping in you legend. Gonna have a rosé and think of you all.”

Mark stepped up to the hotseat for Rylan to host the film and TV quiz Couch Potatoes and discovered how listeners’ holiday dilemmas turned into a feel-good success story.

Rylan will be back next week to host his three-hour show Rylan On Saturday which airs weekly at 3pm.

FOR years, summer holidays followed a pretty rigid formula: book a week somewhere hot, find a beach, find a pool, and spend seven days rotating between the two.

But this year, the data is showing a change that I find really interesting.

More and more people – families included – are looking at the price tags of traditional, single-resort beach holidays and feeling like they’re being rinsed.

When a standard week in the Med easily climbs to £700, £800, or even £1,000 per person in 2026, a city beach break becomes the ultimate loophole.

You still get the sand, the sun, and the tan – but you also get proper restaurants, nightlife, and culture for a fraction of the cost.

Here are the seven city-beach crossovers I’d genuinely put my own money toward this summer.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark – from £193pp

Copenhagen might sound like a massive wildcard, but it’s actually one of Europe’s best-kept summer secrets.

When the weather hits the low 20s, everyone in the city practically lives outdoors, canalside bars stay packed, and everyone is diving into the harbour clean-water swimming spots.

I found three nights at the Scandic Sydhavnen flying from Edinburgh for £193pp.

Traditional beach packages charge a massive premium in August just because they have a monopoly on the coastline, but Copenhagen flips that layout – you’re paying bottom-dollar for the flight and hotel because it’s technically a city break window.

Yes, Denmark can be pricey when you’re buying a beer, but starting with a sub-£200 bill offsets the spending money before you even land.

For a proper beach day, head straight to Amager Strandpark, a massive two-mile stretch of white sand where you get a brilliant view of the Oresund Bridge while sunbathing.

6. Nice, France – from £230pp

The French Riviera usually conjures up images of billionaires, superyachts, and remortgaging your house for a salad.

Nice, however, is the exception to the rule if you play it smart.

You still get the iconic promenades and pastel Old Town streets, all without the Saint Tropez price tag.

I spotted three nights at the Aparthotel Adagio Access Nice Magnan from London Stansted for £230pp.

Plus in Nice, because it’s a living, breathing city, you can bypass the overpriced tourist traps on the front and eat like a local at the independent bakeries just two streets back.

The main beach strip is great, but walk east past the port to Plage de la Réserve – a tiny, rocky hidden cove where you can escape the crowds and swim in crystal-clear water.

5. Palermo, Sicily – from £210pp

Italy has become notoriously expensive over the last few years, but Sicily is where the smart money goes.

Palermo gives you a beautiful mix of historic grit, world-class street food, and access to proper sandy beaches just down the road. It’s got Capri’s charm, but on a €3-a-beer budget.

You can grab three nights at Villa D’Amato flying from London Luton for £210pp, including breakfast.

Landing a hotel that throws in breakfast on an Italian island for just over £200 is a serious result.

But the real money-saver is Palermo’s legendary street food scene. You can fill up on incredible arancini and panelle for pennies in the local markets, avoiding the eye-watering sit-down dinner bills that plague the Amalfi Coast.

When you want to hit the sand, hop on a local bus out of the center to Mondello Beach, a stunning bay with shallow turquoise water sitting right under the massive cliffs of Monte Pellegrino.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia – from £203pp

Dubrovnik is usually a victim of its own success – it can get packed and it can get incredibly expensive.

But if you catch the right flight windows, the value opens right up, giving you crystal-clear Adriatic water, historic city walls, and island-hopping boat trips all in one place.

I tracked down three nights at the Marnic Apartments flying from Manchester for just £203pp.

Because Dubrovnik has a massive airport and tons of flight capacity from the UK, flight prices drop through the floor if you avoid weekend departures.

And by using a city apartment base like this instead of an all-inclusive hotel block, you skip the resort premium but still get the exact same sea views as the luxury hotels down the road.

For the best swim in the city, walk just a few hundred meters past the eastern entrance of the Old Town to find Banje Beach, a pebble-and-sand spot that gives you a surreal view of the medieval city walls from the water.

3. Valletta, Malta – from £253pp

Malta feels like a cheat code for a summer break in 2026.

By the time late June rolls around, the limestone coast is properly baking and the coves and beaches around the capital are at their absolute best.

Valletta itself is brilliant because when you’ve had enough sun, you can wander straight into historic bars and massive waterfront restaurants.

I found three nights at the Excelsior Grand Hotel flying from Bournemouth for £253pp.

This is a proper, high-end property, so bagging a stay there alongside flights for under £300pp is unbelievable value.

Malta consistently delivers dramatically better hotel value than neighboring Italy, and because Valletta is compact, you don’t need to shell out on car rentals – the cheap local public transport will get you anywhere for pocket change.

While you’re there, take the quick ferry across the harbour to Sliema and head to Fond Ghadir to swim in the natural, rock-cut swimming pools right in the limestone coast.

2. Alicante, Spain – from £190pp

Alicante is often unfairly dismissed as just a gateway airport for the Costa Blanca, but the city itself is an absolute gem.

Playa del Postiguet is a massive beach that sits right on the edge of the city centre.

You can literally sunbathe all morning, shake the sand off your shoes, and step straight into a traditional tapas bar for lunch.

I found three nights at Alannia Costa Blanca flying from Bournemouth for just £190pp.

And booking Alicante completely eliminates the need for taxis, meaning your spend on transport drops to zero the second you check in.

While everyone stays on the main city beach, take the tram a few stops north to Playa de San Juan, a massive, five-kilometre stretch of wider, powdery sand that gives you plenty of space to hide away from the main city.

1. Valencia, Spain – from £165pp

Valencia might be the best-value city beach crossover in Europe right now.

It has a massive, wide sandy beach, an incredible Old Town, elite-level food, and prices that make Barcelona look like a total rip-off.

I clocked three nights at the Ilunion Valencia 4 flying from London Stansted for just £165pp. That is absurdly cheap, and you aren’t compromising on anything.

What makes Valencia a financial winner is the local economy – because it hasn’t been completely overrun by mass tourism like Madrid, a proper three-course Menú del Día (including wine) will still only set you back about €12 to €15 if you step into the local neighborhoods.

For the ultimate beach day, head down to Playa de la Malvarrosa and hit the best independent beach huts for a cheap drink on the sand. Bliss.

FANCY a last-minute getaway in June? You can still get one with plenty of one-way flights under £30 and to destinations that are over 25C.

Sun Travel reveals our favourite holiday spots with cheap flights in the next two weeks, from Greece to sunny European islands and pretty cities.

Corfu, Greece

“It’s shocking that you can get to a Greek island for less than £30 and with Wizz Air, flights are as little as £18.

“Just over three hours away and you’ll reach the olive grove paradise of Corfu with beautiful blue bay beaches that in June averages at 30C.

“I love Greece mostly for the food and Corfu has lots of spots where you can indulge in a fresh feta salad with juicy tomatoes alongside a refreshing local Greek beer.

“Have a dip in the ocean at Faliraki, and make sure to pick up some locally made olive oil as a souvenir too.

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UK beachfront holiday parks with breaks from £16pp in school summer holidays

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Our fave cheap European destinations with flights under £20 & hotels from £24pp

“For anyone who loves history, head to the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary at Paleokastritsa. It’s quite the hike but the views from the top are unbeatable.

“If you can, take a day trip across to Paxi or Paxos, a tiny island seven miles south of Corfu with sea caves and white cobbles beaches.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Nice, France

“Nice is an astonishingly short plane ride from the UK, given how exotic it feels. Just 2 hours and 5 minutes in the air, and you’re suddenly on the French Riviera – and flights in June are £18.

“I’ve spent many summers on that stunning stretch of coast, first on family holidays as a kid, then as a showbiz reporter at the Cannes Film Festival and most recently on family trips as a mum myself.

“It is easily one of my favourite places in Europe, thanks to the glorious scenery and the fantastic food.

“My best tip would be to avoid the pricey cab fares and stick to the many beautiful towns that run along the riviera train line.”

“For instance, Villefranche Sur Mer is a sleek, picturesque seaside village that has all of the beauty of its fancier neighbours, but less of the tourists.

“With a lovely sandy beach, a pretty harbour, and a quaint old town featuring 13-century cobbled streets, there is something for everyone.

“Grab a baguette, a bottle of wine and some stinky cheese from the supermarket for under 10 euros in total and enjoy a picnic on the sand or in the pine trails behind the village.

“This is a perfect spot to base yourself with Airbnbs from £86 a night, then you can take the train along the coast anywhere from Monaco and Nice, to Antibes and Cannes in under an hour.” – Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire

Cagliari, Italy

“Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island that actually sits closer to Africa than the mainland.

“But when it comes to visiting the island, most will head to Olbia in the north – instead, I suggest venturing south to the capital Cagliari.

“This quiet and quaint city can easily be explored in a day, with colourful architecture and over 140 churches and religious buildings.

“The best thing to do in the city? Head on the Underground Cagliari tour with Viator, which will take you to three historic sites all underground, including passages used as bomb shelters under a school, a crypt and prison and uncovered Roman ruins (£26 per person).

“Wander around the city and you will also see several defensive towers marking the perimeter of the ancient city, with the most extravagant of them being Bastione de Saint Remy – a huge former military fortress.”

“One-way flights start from £28 in June.”- Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Rome, Italy

“Rome is a city of passion. Whether that’s due to the fiery locals, who emphasise every word with a hand gesticulation, or because of its sordid history, the scars of which are still present today, who knows.

“But that passion is what gives the place its buzz and you can see it all on the cheap as flights start from £15.

“If you’re new to the city, I couldn’t recommend a Fiat 500 sightseeing tour enough (rome500exp.com).

“You’ll cruise around in vintage motors, ticking off all the key sights including the mighty colosseum and Gianicolo Hill where you can soak up one of the best views of the city.

“The Vatican is, of course, a must. But make sure to book one of the queue jump tours for first thing in the morning – it gets very busy, very quickly and unless you’re willing to stand and wait for hours, this is the only way.

“As for food… pizza, pasta, gelato, they’re all staples in the Roman diet.
If you’re near the Colosseum, try Zia Rosetta which serves mega sandwiches stuffed with traditional ham fillings.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

“If you want some (almost) guaranteed sun, Lanzarote is a safe bet for a June getaway.

“Daytime temperatures usually sit around 27C, rain is virtually non-existent, and a one-way flight is £18 with Ryanair – you can’t beat it really.

“On my visit, I stayed near Playa Blanca, which is Lanzarote’s southernmost resor,s scattered with beach bars, restaurants and small sandy bays.

“It can be busy, but if you carry on walking along the front, you’re bound to find a much quieter spot.

“You can’t beat sitting out at one of the sea-facing bars with a cheap beer, soaking up the sunshine with a glass of Dorada you can pick up for €3 (£2.59).” –Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Valetta, Malta

“When I first visited Malta, several years ago, my only holiday demands were: guaranteed sunshine, decent food and flights that wouldn’t break the bank – and that’s exactly what I got.

“My girlfriends and I had booked a sweet little apartment overlooking St Julian’s Bay, an area littered with waterfront restaurants and a charming old-world feel to it.

“I remember the water being as clear and turquoise as the Caribbean Sea, with the dinky boats bobbing atop.

“At the weekend we caught the bus to Marsaxlokk where a traditional fishing market still operates every Sunday – get there in the early to mid morning to avoid the crowds.

“We came home with stacks of fresh prawns for only a few euros that we sizzled on the barbecue back at our apartment.

“Make sure to visit the capital Valletta while you’re here, too. The city is significant in British history and it became a hub for the Royal Navy in the 19th century.

“Pop into St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of the most beautiful baroque structures I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“Flights to Valletta start from £18 in June“. – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Paris, France

“There’s a reason why Paris is a dream destination for so many.

“Incredible food, glitzy nightlife, plus some of Europe’s top art galleries and museums.

“What’s great about Paris is that there’s so many types of trip you can take, making it the kind of city you can visit again and again.

“Spend a romantic weekend in the cobbled streets of Montmartre, where you can watch the sun set over the city from the highest point in Paris. Soak up the views from the steps of The Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

“Or spend a week with the family at Disneyland Paris, where you can explore their new World of Frozen – a new attraction we’re lucky to have right on our doorstep as Brits.

“My favourite way to visit Paris is as a girly holiday. Hit the Galeries Lafayette for world-famous shopping, then grab some boujee Instagram pictures together in the Palais Garnier.

“Make sure to go for brunch in Mon Crème, where dried flowers drape from the ceiling and candlesticks give the cosy restaurant a warm glow – plus I would fly over just to eat their Duck Confit again.

“With £28 return flights on Skyscanner, ticking off one of the world’s dreamiest capital cities can cost you less than going out for lunch.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Pisa, Italy

“Let’s face it, Italy‘s Pisa is famous for its leaning tower in the city centre and you can see it for yourself for £15 with Ryanair.

“Before you get to the tower, take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River where there are lots of cafes and restaurants.

“I stopped into Bottega for a tasty strawberry and kiwi smoothie for €5 (£4.32) – the same price as a glass of wine, I might add.

“Further into the city, there are shopping streets, some designer outlets and plenty of places to grab a souvenir too.

“I found it does get very busy once you get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa – and a trip is not complete without the mandatory photo outside pretending to push the building upright.

“It can take a while to get into the right position, but I discovered the biggest challenge is trying not to get too many other tourists doing exactly the same thing in the background.” Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Crete, Greece

“You can hop over to Crete for £18 each way – not a bad deal for a trip to the largest Greek island.

“Just an hour’s drive from Chania airport will land you in Rethymno, a coastal city with a sprawling Old Town full of surprises.

“Stroll along the Venetian Harbour to watch colourful fishing boats bob, overlooked by a charming stone lighthouse which was built in 1830.

“Then dip into your pick of tavernas to try some Dakos, a delicious Cretan bruschetta with some local wine.

“After an afternoon exploring the maze-like streets, come back for dinner to try one of the best burgers you’ll ever have.

“Mojo Burgers is a strikingly modern burger joint in the heart of the Old Town, serving up sloppy American-style burgers oozing with flavour.

“Make sure to sign your name on the wall once you’ve eaten to follow tradition.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

*Prices correct at the time of publication

Official orders have spelt out what flights must be provided

EasyJet and Ryanair travellers have been issued with an official update as a UK holiday spot prepares for a major strike. Portugal will see a general strike on Wednesday, June 3.

It has previously been reported that around 500 flights from different airlines could be affected. EasyJet has said there could be some disruption for passengers on the day.

TAP Air Portugal says it is planning to operate at least 79 flights. The airline is also reportedly rebooking travel options for affected passengers.

Air Europa has reportedly cancelled all flights between Madrid and Lisbon and Porto. Tram services in Porto are also set to be affected.

Ryanair has said it will operate as normal. It will be the second time the nation has been hit by a general strike in recent months in protest at labour reforms the Portuguese government is planning. The disruption is likely to affect many areas of the country.

Portuguese media reports say that for those providing essential social services, minimum service levels have been established. Information has been reported in local media, based on official documents, about what minimum services are therefore expected for some airlines.

EasyJet ‘minimum services in Portugal on June 3’

Local media reports say that some flights involving major national carrier TAP will go ahead. Sapo reports that a deal has been reached between easyJet and the trade unions, providing for the following minimum services:

• two flights from Lisbon to Funchal;
• one flight from Porto to Funchal;
• one flight from Lisbon to Basel; one Lisbon-Nice flight;
• one Porto-Paris flight;
• one Porto-Geneva flight;
• one Porto-Luxembourg flight;
• one Lisbon-Luxembourg flight;
• and one Lisbon-London flight.

That information emerged in reports published by the Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations (DGERT). It stated that the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Crew also warns that, “if striking staff are replaced by crew from other bases, the conditions for future agreements will no longer exist”.

Full list of ‘Ryanair minimum services on June 3’

Sapo also reports that in the case of Ryanair, minimum services have been set by order of the Minister for Infrastructure and Housing. These reportedly state that, on the day of the strike, staff must report for duty to ensure the following connections:

• two Lisbon–Funchal–Lisbon connecting flights;
• one Lisbon–London–Lisbon connecting flight;
• one Lisbon–Luxembourg–Lisbon connecting flight;
• one Porto–London–Porto connecting flight;
• one Porto–Luxembourg–Porto connecting flight;
• one Porto–Paris–Porto connecting flight;
• and one Faro–London–Faro connecting flight.

“The staff required to ensure minimum services shall be designated by the trade unions that have called the strike no later than 24 hours before the start of each of the declared strike days or, if they fail to do so, the companies must make such a designation,” the order states.

EasyJet told the Sun: “Due to a national strike in Portugal on 3 June, like all airlines operating to and from the country we can expect some disruption to our flying programme. We will be doing all we can to minimise the impact of the strike action and will contact customers directly with their options if their flights are affected.

“While this is outside of our control we are sorry for any inconvenience this strike action may cause.”

A glorious seaside spot with a brilliant cafe, beach, play areas and a fantastic quirky place to stay the night.

British coastal resorts have long been popular hotspots for families but the seaside village of Llanfairfechan is one I have to say I’ve never stopped in over the years, despite it being just off one of the country’s busiest roads. Now that I have two young sons to entertain, it was time to rectify that, and what a treat we had in store at this beautiful little spot.

It feels like a bit of a hidden gem in many ways: lovely and quiet and a place I never hear mentioned when people talk about great seaside towns and villages in Wales. Slipping under the radar has its perks though: it was so peaceful, we found that we had the stretch of beach all to ourselves a lot of the time. We enjoyed long walks splashing in the waves while admiring the glorious views out to Puffin Island and Anglesey, and over to the Great Orme and Llandudno.

Llanfairfechan grew as a resort town in north Wales in Victorian times, and was a favourite spot of Prime Minister William Gladstone. It features a lengthy promenade next to the sea, as well as a beautiful row of pastel-coloured villas, with the spectacular Penmaenmawr mountain as the backdrop giving it a picture postcard feel. When the sun is shining, as it did across our weekend stay, it’s just the most perfect place for a family visit. Ever likely locals jokily call it “Llanfairote” (a playful nod to the Spanish island).

Things to do in Llanfairfechan

There are two free play areas, a skate park, a boating lake and, from May through the summer, an adorable free community paddling pool open daily from 10am to 7pm. And with that vast expanse of beach to explore there’s loads to do without even having to spend a penny.

The beach offers glorious views along the Welsh coast and if you look closely enough you can even see the shape of Beaumaris Castle and as far as Penrhyn.

While we found there was plenty to entertain us in Llanfairfechan itself (and the kids would have happily spent day and night on the beach) it also offers the perfect base for wider explorations in this gorgeous part of Wales.

We headed up for a walk to Aber Falls on one day, while we also made the short journey to the historic town of Conwy to visit the castle there which, again, my kids absolutely loved.

Where we stayed

We were fortunate enough to stay in one of the colourful seafront villas in Llanfairfechan during our visit, at the pretty pink Claremont with glorious views right next to the beach.

The family-owned home has been passed down through several generations, and has recently become a very chic holiday let thanks to the interiors inspiration of owner Kate.

The family spent three years renovating the property with an eclectic mix of stylish furnishings. Kate said: “This house is very special to us and has been in my family for over 80 years.

“It’s been a real labour of love, we have been letting the house out for coming up to 4 years now and it is really rewarding having other families fall in love with the house and area and getting lots of lovely reviews and return visits.”

It’s easy to see why families fall in love with this place. It boasts wonderful airy rooms spread across three floors, with bed accommodation for up to eight people, including one room with bunk beds for children. There’s also a private back garden that gets the sun in the mornings, and the long stretch of garden at the front looking out to the sea.

On the ground floor is the very stylish kitchen and dining room, while upstairs is the main living room – both of these making the most of the spectacular bay front windows with views out across the beach and the sea on to Puffin Island and Anglesey.

I cannot begin to explain how glorious it was to sit in these windows and watch the sun set over the islands each evening during our stay, and then see the bright lights of Llandudno prickle to life on the coast as night fell.

You can feel its warmth as a family home, and the owners have also kindly left some board games available for use during your stay. Monopoly went down a treat with my two boys which we played while gazing out of those windows.

My kids totally fell in love with this place and were fighting back tears when we had to pack up to head home after our sunny weekend. I’m already plotting a return, as it would be a great place to bring other family members with us too next time.

Food and drink

Another joy of this village is the brilliant local cafe and takeaway Seagrass. This was recommended to us by Claremont’s owner Kate, who suggested we book our Friday night takeaway ahead of arriving that day to ensure we had a slot as it gets busy.

We are so glad we did. We had the most epic fish and chips, with a really unusual light batter, and chips in the traditional “like my gran used to make” style. We also ordered some of the weekly specials including a spicy fried chicken with salad, while the kids enjoyed their chicken and chips.

They were also doing pizzas on the night we visited that seemed to be very popular. And with the weather being so good we were able to sit out on the beach to eat our food from the takeaway boxes too. They also cook up some epic brunch dishes, while there’s also an array of freshly-baked cakes and traybakes, as well as a cabinet of ice creams too.

For those wanting something more casual, there’s also a traditonal beachside cafe right on the Promenade where you can get hot and cold food too.

Again, on the recommendation of Kate, we also booked a visit to Johnny Dough’s pizzas in Conwy on our day out there. They serve up giant fresh wood-fired pizzas, and if you head there before 6pm kids can do a “make their own pizza” too.

Staying there

Dianne was a guest at Claremont on The Promenade in Llanfairfechan. It is a full house holiday let which can sleep up to eight people, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Minimum break is three nights, while four-day short breaks start from £645. There is still good availability for bookings in June and September in 2026. All bookings are via the Claremont by the Sea website.

Llanfairfechan is just off the North Wales Expressway (A55) between Llandudno and Bangor. There is also a train station.

Far-right mayor opposes plan for football team to lose stadium access due to 2030 Winter Games’ ice hockey.

French organisers of the 2030 Winter Olympics are looking at alternative locations for ice hockey outside of Nice, including Paris and Lyon, because of a political deadlock involving the coastal city’s new mayor.

Like the Milan Cortina Olympics, the French Alps project has split snow sports in storied mountain resorts and skating in a snow-free city, the Mediterranean resort of Nice.

Nice was to turn the city’s football stadium, Allianz Arena, into a temporary hockey rink.

But Nice’s newly elected far-right mayor, Eric Ciotti, opposes the plan, refusing to allow the resident football club to lose access to its stadium for months because of the games. Ciotti, a former conservative allied with the National Rally party of Marine Le Pen, was elected last month.

The 2030 Games organisers said on Tuesday they have worked with officials from Nice and its wider region, as well as the French government, to find solutions for placing ice hockey within the Olympic hub in Nice. A temporary ice rink, intended as a replacement for the originally planned Allianz Riviera stadium, was studied at other stadiums, mainly for men’s hockey matches.

“Technical, scheduling, and financial analyses highlighted the limitations of these options, particularly due to their very high cost and impact,” organisers added.

“With a focus on efficiency and budget optimisation, the (organising committee) has decided to broaden its investigations by examining the use of existing facilities in other major metropolitan areas such as Lyon or Paris, particularly those offering a minimum seating capacity of 10,000,” they added.

Results of their explorations will be presented to the organising committee’s executive board on May 11. The final venues are expected to be confirmed in June when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decides the list of sports and events.

“The analyses carried out are leading us to turn towards existing facilities that are better suited and more sustainable. Several options are being studied to ensure hosting conditions that fully meet our requirements,” said Edgar Grospiron, the former Olympic champion freestyle skier who leads the organising committee.

The Paris Entertainment Company, which operates Adidas Arena and Accor Arena in the French capital, said last week it submitted a bid to host ice hockey. Both venues were used during the 2024 Paris Summer Games.

French Alps Games organisers said a second competition ice rink for skating is still planned at Nice’s exhibition centre, and other ice events scheduled in Nice remain unchanged.