NEWS
Speed limit reduced - The speed limit on the coastal road between Nice and Cagnes-sur-Mer has been reduced from 70 to 50 km/h on the 26th of June to prepare for tramway works. Since the 7th of July, radars have started issuing fines, angering many drivers who say the change is unfair and poorly noticed. The town hall insists signage was clear and advises those fined repeatedly to file an appeal.
Strong swells - Météo-France forecasts strong swells between Cap d’Antibes and Menton today, with waves up to 1.5m expected from noon to 9pm. In Villeneuve-Loubet, swimming has been strictly banned on all beaches, with red flags raised. Authorities urge residents and tourists to respect safety rules, warning that the currents could endanger even experienced swimmers.
Fight at the airport over baggage fee - A baggage fee dispute has escalated into a violent fight on the 23rd of August involving a couple and an airport agent during boarding for an EasyJet flight to Mykonos at Nice Airport. The man physically attacked the agent while his partner struck him with a shoe; the man was arrested and barred from boarding. Airport staff fear such incidents may increase with rising passenger traffic and the upcoming opening of Terminal 3, calling for more police reinforcements.
Fatal accident - A 40-year-old woman has been killed last night on the D907 near Le Pontet, Vaucluse. She had exited her car to signal an earlier accident when she was struck by another vehicle. The driver involved was slightly injured and taken to Avignon hospital.
Fire broke out - A fire broke out yesterday, at a farm destroying two chicken coops over 100 m²in Forcalquier, Alpes-de-Hautes-Provence. A 49-year-old man was seriously injured, reportedly by the blast of an explosion, and taken to hospital. Firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to nearby gas tanks, and an investigation has been opened.
81st anniversary of Monaco Liberation - Monaco will mark the 81st anniversary of its Liberation with a remembrance ceremony on Wednesday, the 3rd of September at 4:30 pm at the Monaco Cemetery. The tribute will include wreath-laying at the Monument to the Dead and on the graves of resistance heroes René Borghini and Joseph Lajoux, followed by prayers, a minute’s silence, and national anthems. Patriotic associations are invited to join by contacting the town hall’s protocol office.
Eric Ciotti announces his official mayoral candidacy - Éric Ciotti has officially announced his 2026 mayoral candidacy in Nice, launching his campaign by handing out a 20-page letter to voters. His entry sets up a right-wing duel against current mayor Christian Estrosi, a rivalry that delights the left, which sees an opening. Ciotti promises a “benevolent campaign,” but his past alliance with Marine Le Pen’s party divides public opinion in Nice.
Monaco's Exotic Garden to reopen in October - Monaco’s Exotic Garden, closed since March 2020 for major renovation and safety works, will finally reopen in late October 2025. The park, nearly 100 years old, has been fully restored, including upgrades for hosting private events like weddings. It houses around 20,000 succulents, some dating back before its original 1933 inauguration.
NEWS UPDATE
Air France flight forced to turn back - An Air France flight from Paris to Bastia was forced to turn back yesterday after nearly three hours in the air due to severe storms and winds up to 159 km/h. The Airbus circled over Nice and Monaco multiple times, unable to land safely, before returning to Paris-Orly without incident. The storms disrupted all Corsican air traffic, with many flights diverted or cancelled.
President Macron to stay - President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed that he would serve his mandate until the end, despite tensions over the budget. He dismissed speculation about early dissolution, backing his Prime Minister while calling the budget challenge “not insurmountable.” Macron urged political forces to find compromise, stressing that democracy means respecting the mandate given by voters.
BUSINESS
The US has ended the de minimis exemption, meaning imports under $800 are no longer duty-free and now face tariffs and stricter customs checks. The change disrupts global e-commerce, hitting small businesses and niche sellers hardest, while raising prices and causing shipping delays. Supporters say it protects US firms and curbs smuggling, but critics warn consumers will face higher costs and fewer choices.
And - UK small businesses warn that scrapping the US de minimis exemption will raise costs and force many to pause or stop exports to America. Firms fear the US market, once a major share of their income, is no longer viable. The Federation of Small Businesses says the change creates new barriers for smaller exporters, unlike larger brands that can absorb the impact.
SPORTS
Football - Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is set for his first England call-up when Thomas Tuchel names his squad at 12:00 BST.
Rugby Union - After a perfect start to their Women's Rugby World Cup campaign with a clinical destruction of Wales winning 38-8, Scotland prepare to face Fiji tomorrow in Salford Community Stadium.
Tennis - A tearful Coco Gauff thanked superstar gymnast Simone Biles for bringing a "bit of calm" as she found a way to beat Croatia's Donna Vekic in the US Open second round 7-6 (7-5) 6-2.
WEATHER
It’s mostly clear in the Alpes-Maritimes department but the further we go west, the cloudier it gets. Meanwhile rain and occasional thunderstorms persist in the northern parts of the region accompanied by moderate to strong winds. After the rainy episodes of the past two days, temperatures are a lot fresher, reaching 25 degrees in Marseille and Toulon, 28 in Nice and Cannes and 29 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, back to clear skies with temperatures dropping to 17 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend,
Sat: fine and bright with highs of 27 degrees
Sun: same thing until late night when thunderstorms visit the entire region except for the Alpes Maritimes department
Mon: light rain in the morning in the Alpes Maritimes, while thunderstorms persist in the rest of the region with highs of 26 degrees along with a gentle breeze.
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A suspected arsonist has been arrested after six fires broke out within an hour in the village of Châteauneuf-Villevieille, near Nice, on Tuesday even...
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A water leak has led police to discover a squat filled with drugs, weapons, and cash in Nice.
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