NEWS
Tsunami risk - A tsunami is possible on the French Riviera, even if most occur in the Pacific. Historical events in 1887 and 1979 prove the Mediterranean is not immune. Experts warn of a near 100% chance of a 1-meter wave in the region within 30 years, especially affecting areas like Cannes, Antibes, and Marseille. Preparedness drills and warning systems like FR-Alert are already in place in cities such as Cannes. The Ligurian fault and seismic zones near Algeria are key threats being closely monitored.
Nitrous oxide canisters banned - The Cannes city council has banned the sale of nitrous oxide canisters, also called "laughing gas", to all individuals, regardless of age. Only health and food industry professionals may purchase it, and only between 8am and 8pm. This decision comes amid rising concerns over health risks, public safety, and pollution as 2,800 used canisters were found in the street in July alone. Small canisters of 8g or less remain permitted for domestic culinary use.
Jumping from rocks at the beach leads to fatal accident - A 21-year-old man has died after jumping into the sea and hitting a rock in Saint-Raphaël, Alpes-Maritimes, highlighting the dangers of cliff diving. This risky practice is banned locally but remains popular, especially among youth influenced by social media. Doctors warn of serious injuries like paralysis, spinal trauma, or death, even from low heights. Despite the dangers, many continue to dive for thrills, underestimating the risks and mimicking stunts seen online.
Intervilles sues Intervill's over name similarity - TV host Nagui’s production company is suing the Arles arena organizers for “parasitism,” claiming their show ‘Le Choc des Arènes’ copied the TV game ‘Intervilles’. The event was initially named ‘Intervill's’, too similar to the original name, prompting legal action and a €270,000 damages claim. The organiser insists the show is different and can't afford the lawsuit, noting efforts were made to avoid similarities. A court hearing is set for the 9th of October, and future events are on hold pending the verdict.
Isola 2000 shopping gallery reopens - The Isola 2000 shopping gallery, has closed since the 19th of July for safety reasons, will reopen on Saturday the 2nd of August. A provisional agreement has been signed by all parties involved, including merchants and property managers. They now have until the 30th of November to connect to the fire safety system (SSI). The mayor praised the collective effort that made the reopening possible.
Travis Scott performs in Saint-Tropez - Travis Scott has performed an exclusive private showcase on Thursday, the 31st of July on the beach at Verde in Saint-Tropez. His arrival at sunset created a buzz, with fans and guests sharing videos on social media. Wearing casual beachwear, he was greeted enthusiastically as he performed for a small, select audience. Though details of the setlist remain unknown, the event highlighted Saint-Tropez’s status as a hotspot for global celebrities.
NEWS UPDATE
Don't go to the Beach Saturday - Strong swells are expected along the Alpes-Maritimes coast on the evening of Saturday, the 2nd of August, especially between Antibes and Menton. Authorities warn the sea could become dangerous between 8pm and midnight, urging people to avoid swimming, especially on unmonitored beaches. Rescue stations may restrict access to the water if conditions worsen. Swimmers are reminded to follow safety guidelines and avoid fighting waves or currents to prevent exhaustion.
13-year-old fell from 3rd floor - A 13-year-old girl has fallen from the 3rd floor of a building on Friday, the 1st of August around 3pm in central Cannes. The incident occurred on a busy pedestrian street near the Croisette. Emergency services responded quickly, and the girl was taken to Lenval Hospital in Nice in serious condition. Police have launched an investigation to determine whether it was an accident or another cause.
BUSINESS
U.S. tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump have hit Asian economies hard, especially export-driven ones. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan successfully negotiated tariff reductions, while India still faces a 25% rate and an added penalty over Russian ties. Southeast Asian nations saw mixed outcomes: Vietnam lowered its tariff to 20%, but Laos and Myanmar face steep 40% rates. China was absent from the latest list but continues complex negotiations with the U.S. over tech and trade. Tariff rates remain fluid, with the U.S. reserving the right to adjust them at any time.
And - Meanwhile, the US-Canada trade war has intensified, with U.S. President Donald Trump raising tariffs on Canadian imports to 35%, prompting Canada to retaliate with its own tariffs. Prices have risen on items like appliances, cars, groceries, and clothing, with goods such as canned soup, peanut butter, and fruit juice seeing sharp increases. New and used vehicles are more expensive due to supply chain disruptions and metal tariffs, while homebuilding costs are climbing due to pricier US-sourced materials. Retailers in Canada are marking tariff-affected items, and many consumers are changing shopping habits or delaying purchases. Experts warn the prolonged trade conflict is already slowing economic activity, especially in hard-hit provinces like Ontario.
SPORTS
Swimming - Léon Marchand has won the 200m individual medley world title for the third time on the 31st of July in Singapore. He clocked 1:53.68, the second-fastest time ever, just a day after breaking the world record. He finished ahead of American Shaine Casas and Hungarian Hubert Kos and will race the 400m medley on Sunday.
Rugby Union - Wales has suffered a heavy defeat to Australia in their final World Cup warm-up. Sean Lynn's side arrived in Sydney full of confidence after an impressive showing in the first Test in Brisbane but were completely outclassed at the Oval.
Tennis - Top seed Coco Gauff progressed to the fourth round of the Canadian Open after a comeback win 4-6 7-5 6-2 against Veronika Kudermetova in Montreal.
WEATHER
Bright and clear today in most of the region as once again Tende will be bothered by risks of thunderstorms until late afternoon accompanied by moderate winds. On the coast temperatures are high, reaching 26 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 27 in Cannes, 28 in Toulon and 31 degrees in warm Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 20 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend:
Sat: light rain persists in Tende though the rest of the region will be mostly clear with occasional cloudy intervals and highs of 27 degrees.
Sun: mostly clear with highs of 27 degrees.
Mon: a bit cloudy with highs of 28 degrees and a gentle breeze.
A tsunami is possible on the French Riviera, even if most occur in the Pacific.
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An earthquake measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale has been recorded in the Val d’Allos. According to SismoAzur, the tremor struck at 4:31am on Thursday...
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Sunshine with clear skies throughout the day. Highs of 27 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 26 degrees in Monaco, 28 degrees in Vence and reaching 30 ...
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A new scam called "carding" is worrying cybersecurity experts. Fraudsters steal banking details, often via phishing, and then make small, discreet tra...
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Regional health officials have confirmed the first locally transmitted West Nile virus (WNV) case in France this year, diagnosed in mid-July in Hyères...
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