NEWS
Prince Albert II celebrated 20 years of reign - Prince Albert II of Monaco has celebrated 20 years on the throne on the 19th of July with a speech emphasizing unity, progress, and shared community values. He reflected on two decades of urban modernization, environmental advocacy, and international outreach. A crowd gathered at the Palace Square to hear the Prince and Monaco’s mayor express pride in the principality’s achievements. Celebrations ended with a giant macaron cake nearly 2 meters tall, featuring 10,500 raspberry and vanilla macarons.
This week's weather - This week will bring unstable weather to the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, with cooler temperatures, scattered showers, and isolated storms, especially mid to late week. While the region escapes the worst of the current weather alerts, inland and mountain areas may see more rain starting Wednesday. A cold drop arriving Friday could increase instability, particularly in the Alps and Var. Temperatures will remain mild, with highs around 26°C in Nice and Toulon.
Violent storm - A violent overnight storm, including a mini tornado, has hit parts of Bouches-du-Rhône, especially Miramas, causing significant damage to trees, cars, and rooftops. Firefighters carried out 59 interventions across several towns, with no injuries reported but about ten people needing to be relocated. Around 20 residents have been sheltered in a gymnasium. Record-breaking rainfall was recorded, with intense downpours in just minutes. The local emergency plan was activated in Miramas to coordinate the response.
Storms also impacts Vaucluse - Storms have hit the Vaucluse department on the night of the 20th to the 21st of July, disrupting major cultural events. Due to heavy rain, performances at the Avignon Festival and Chorégies d'Orange had to be cut short. The Soulier de Satin in Avignon and La Force du Destin in Orange both ended early. Despite the weather alert, no major damage was reported.
Beaches closed - Several beaches are closed to swimming this Monday due to storm-related water contamination in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Var. In Cavalaire, three beaches are off-limits after poor water quality tests. In Cogolin, swimming is banned on the Marines beach following runoff from local waterways. Water quality is still being tested in La Croix-Valmer, with possible further closures.
School supplies prices up 2% - With school supply prices up 2% in July 2025 compared to last year, Côte d’Azur parents are adjusting their back-to-school shopping habits. Many prioritize value for money by choosing store brands or making careful trade-offs. Families often inventory leftover supplies before buying new ones, especially as costs rise for middle and high school students. While practicality is key, kids still get to pick fun items like agendas and pencil cases to stay motivated.
Monaco expands its smoking ban - Monaco has expanded its smoking ban to include more public spaces like beaches, pools, playgrounds, and places where minors are present. The new law, passed in May 2025, also bans disposable e-cigarettes and raises the legal age to buy tobacco to 18. The goal is to protect public health, especially children, and reduce environmental harm. Enforcement will involve fines and inspections, while public awareness campaigns are planned to support the changes.
Jeff bezos on the Côte d’Azur - Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez are on holiday on the Côte d’Azur aboard "Koru," the world’s largest sailing yacht, spotted near the Îles de Lérins, Var. The 127-meter mega-yacht, accompanied by its support vessel Abeona, made headlines in 2023 for its massive size and controversy in Rotterdam. This weekend, the couple dined at the exclusive Cap Eden Roc. Their luxurious lifestyle, including a lavish wedding in Venice, has sparked criticism over its environmental and social impact.
NEWS UPDATE
Man attempts to take his own life in Nice - Police have saved a man in his 30s who was attempting to take his own life on the Voie Pierre Mathis on Sunday night. Officers intervened quickly, pulling him to safety and handcuffing him to prevent further harm. He was taken to Pasteur Hospital, unharmed, where he confirmed his suicidal intentions during a psychiatric evaluation.
Fire under control - A vegetation fire broke out on Monday, 21st of July, behind the Val-Fleuri area in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Around 600m² have burned, but no homes were threatened. Fifty firefighters, 12 fire engines, and three helicopters were mobilized, with eight water drops made. The fire was brought under control by around 4:30 pm.
Train accident - A man has been fatally struck by a train around 4:45 pm on Monday the 21st of July in Antibes' station. Emergency services confirmed his death, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. Six fire trucks and sixteen firefighters have been deployed to the scene. As a result of the incident train traffic is suspended until 6:50pm.
BUSINESS
The UK’s state-owned GB Energy has bought solar panels from Chinese firms Aiko and Longi for its first schools project, raising concerns due to alleged links to forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region. Critics, including MP Sarah Champion, argue the UK should prioritise ethically sourced and locally made panels, even if they cost more. GB Energy insists all contracts meet UK modern slavery laws and promises to lead on ethical supply chains. China dominates the global solar panel market, with over 80% market share. Despite human rights concerns, many countries, including the UK, still rely on Chinese solar products due to lower costs.
Andy Byron, CEO of US tech firm Astronomer, has resigned after a viral video showed him embracing a female colleague at a Coldplay concert. The two, identified in media as Byron and the company's Chief People Officer, were seen hugging before ducking from the camera. The company cited a breach of leadership standards and values. Byron was initially placed on leave while an investigation began. Astronomer's Chief Product Officer is now acting as interim CEO during the leadership transition.
And - China's first Legoland theme park recently opened in Shanghai, aiming to boost tourism and domestic spending amid a sluggish economy. Backed by local government investment and public subsidies, the $550 million park features 75 rides, a themed hotel, and a miniature Shanghai skyline. Western brands like Lego, Warner Bros, and Hasbro are expanding into China's large but competitive theme park market. Despite challenges, developers see long-term potential in China's vast population and rising parental spending on children. Authorities hope such projects will create jobs, attract tourists, and portray a more open, global image.
SPORTS
Cycling - Tour de France riders will climb Mont Ventoux during Stage 16, on the 22nd of July, starting from Montpellier. In consequence, major traffic and parking restrictions will be in place around the mountain from the 20th to the 22nd of July. Motorized access to the summit will be fully closed, with limited access for locals and services only. Pedestrians and cyclists will be allowed up until shortly before the race passes.
Football - Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is in Spain to complete a season-long loan move to Barcelona. The 27-year-old arrived in Catalonia on Sunday night after getting permission from United to complete the formalities of a move to Barcelona.
Rugby Union - Owen Farrell will captain the British and Irish Lions against a First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Cricket - Mitchell Owen made a half-century on debut as Australia clinched a three-wicket victory over West Indies in the first T20 international in Jamaica.
WEATHER
Mostly bright with cloudy intervals and moderate to strong winds across the region. This time the Alpes-Maritimes department is the one most affected by the heat as we have highs of 28 degrees in Marseille, 29 in Toulon and 33 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 23 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear with highs of 28 degrees with moderate to strong winds especially in the Var.
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