New measures to fight drought conditions have been introduced in some eastern areas of the Alpes-Maritimes until August 31. Thirteen additional municipalities have been elevated to "crisis" level. They include Breil-sur-Roya, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Sospel and Menton. The Prefecture said that the balance of the water refill season from September to March was very short in the entire department with a deficit of 40% to 60% compared to normal and is the second lowest value since 1959. The Prefecture said that breaches of the rules, which include a night and day ban on watering and a 60% reduction in industrial consumption, may result in a fine of 1,500 euros per violation. More details can be found on the prefecture's website www.alpes-maritimes.gouv.fr
Parts of the Var river have been placed on a Meteo France yellow level alert for flooding after this afternoon’s storms. They are the “Var Amont” and “Var Moyen” parts of the river. Further details can be found on www.meteofrance.com
The forest fire near Rougon in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is over and isn't progressing according to the Prefect. However, it remains under close surveillance by firefighters on the ground and a helicopter detachment. The fire burned 300 hectares in total.
The French economy has returned to growth, with figures published today showing that GDP increased by 0.5% in the last quarter. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire described the news as "a victory for the French economy in these difficult times" and said that "it proves that our economic fundamentals are solid".
The municipal police in Nice have been carrying out an operation against incivility on cycle paths today. 40 tickets were issued this morning for infractions such as parking in cycling lanes.
Meanwhile, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi has said that work to secure the pedestrian and cycle areas of the Promenade des Anglais is progressing in order to limit the risks when crossing pedestrian and cycle spaces. He said that from now on, pedestrian crossings will be more visible for users of cycle paths, and traffic lights have been installed to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
The French Surfing Federation has awarded the national "City of Surfing" label to Cannes, which is the first and only French Mediterranean municipality to receive this distinction. Created in 2015, the national label "City of Surf" certifies the practice of surfing, the quality of services, services and municipal commitment in the field of surfing and its associated disciplines, including Stand Up Paddle. It is also a recognition of the many activities offered by the municipality and local sports associations. The Town Hall of Cannes officially received the award today, presented by Jacques Lajuncomme, president of the Federation, to David Lisnard, mayor of Cannes. A “City of Surf” sign will be positioned at the entrances to the town.
BUSINESS
British Airways owner IAG has announced a profit for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. Operating profit for the second quarter hit £245m, compared with a loss of £809m in the same period last year. However, the company warned that the industry continues to face "historic challenges due to the unprecedented scaling up in operations, especially in the UK where the operational challenges of Heathrow airport have been acute".
Annual inflation in the Eurozone reached 8.9% in July according to initial data from EU statistics office Eurostat. Energy costs rose by 39.7% and food by 9.8%.
Meanwhile, Eurostat said that seasonally adjusted GDP increased by 0.7% in the euro area in the second quarter.
SPORT
Cycling.... Marianne Vos has won the sixth stage of the women's Tour de France today. She retains the Yellow Jersey.
Motorsports... In first practice for this Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was fastest, followed by Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Charles Leclerc was third in the other Ferrari. In second practice this afternoon Charles Leclerc was quickest, Lando Norris was second, Carlos Sainz was in third, with title leader Max Verstappen fourth.
Athletics.... Olympic silver medallist Alex Yee has won the first gold medal of the 2022 Commonwealth Games with victory in the men's triathlon. New Zealand's Hayden Wilde won silver despite being given a 10-second penalty for a transition error. Australia's Matt Hauser took the bronze medal.
Rugby Union... Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has signed a two-year contract extension. He'll now be in the post until at least August 2025.
A new optional regional transport tax for businesses, introduced in France’s 2025 budget, aims to fund eco-friendly mobility projects. ...
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A judge has authorised a dive to inspect the wreckage of a plane in the sea off Antibes. The plane crashed into the Mediterranean on September 11 1968...
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In France, drinking water is heavily contaminated with "forever pollutants," particularly trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), as revealed by two studies from ...
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The trial of the Tunisian man accused of the murder of three people in the Nice Basilica attack is continuing in Paris. Yesterday the families of the ...
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Four cities in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) region made Booking.com's 2025 list of the "most welcoming destinations in France." ...
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