NEWS
Severe burns in a nightclub - A 21-year-old woman has suffered severe 3rd-degree burns in a nightclub in Juan-les-Pins, Alpes-Maritimes. Her brother, with her at the moment of the accident, alleges the bartender set alight a shot before throwing more alcohol to rekindle the flame which then landed on the woman, causing severe burns to 20% of her body. The young customer was airlifted to the burn unit at La Timone Hospital in Marseille and an investigation has been opened to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Fire in agricultural shed - A fire broke out overnight from the 27th to the 28th of July in an agricultural shed completely destroying the 70 m² building and its hay bales in Lapalud, Vaucluse. Fifteen firefighters and four fire engines have been mobilized to contain the blaze and prevent further spread. Thanks to their quick action, the fire was brought under control during the night. No injuries were reported, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Forest massifs closed in Bouches-du-Rhone and Vaucluse - Faced with a fire risk deemed ‘very severe’, the prefectures of Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse are closing all their forest areas, with the exception of those in the Enclave des Papes and Ventoux, on Monday the 28th of July. Mistral gusts exceeding 100 km/h are also causing a sharp drop in the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea, expected to be around 15 to 16°C, and significantly increasing the risk of fire. The prefecture reminds us that nine out of ten forest fires are caused by humans, and one in two is the result of negligence. It is therefore strictly forbidden to smoke or light a fire in the forest, to drive or park on DFCI tracks, or to throw cigarette butts out of a vehicle window. In the event of a fire, the numbers to call are 18 or 112.
La Poste renews its mandate - La Poste's mandate as the provider of the universal postal service in France has been renewed for another ten years, starting January 2026. This service ensures equal mail and parcel delivery six days a week across the entire country, including rural areas. La Poste has held this role since 2011, though it faces financial strain due to declining mail volumes and underfunded public service missions. The renewal was confirmed by a government decree on the 26th of July and officially announced on the 28th of July.
Promenade du Paillon is being expanded - The Promenade du Paillon in Nice is being expanded from 20 to 28 hectares, with completion expected by October 2025. The €75 million project includes planting over 2,500 trees, adding greenery and ponds to the city centre. While some areas have reopened, several cultural sites remain closed, and locals have mixed views on lost parking and demolished buildings. Despite early delays due to heatwaves, workers say the project is back on track and progressing well.
Reducing wildfire risks thanks to dunkeys - To clear vegetation and reduce wildfire risk, over sixty donkeys are made available to municipalities and individuals in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Provided by the Anesterel association, these donkeys work on both public and private land nearly year-round. By grazing and trampling, they control invasive plants and help regenerate soil, offering an eco-friendly alternative to machines. This affordable solution, costing €390/month, helps municipalities and individuals comply with fire prevention rules.
Les Petits Frères des Pauvres - All summer, the charity Les Petits Frères des Pauvres offers low-cost holidays to isolated and financially struggling seniors over 50 in the Var department. One such retreat is Villa "Les Fleurs" in La Seyne-sur-Mer, welcoming guests from across France. Stays cost just €18 for six days, making vacations accessible to those who couldn’t otherwise afford them. These trips offer joy, connection, and a break from isolation, with lasting positive effects on the participants.
NEWS UPDATE
Christophe Mirmand's state visit - As part of his official visits, Monaco’s new Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, was received at City Hall by Mayor Georges Marsan and his team. Accompanied by senior government officials, he toured key municipal sites including the Marriage Hall and Civil Registry. During a meeting with the Mayor, they discussed upcoming projects such as the new media library, a performance hall, the Exotic Garden reopening, and local renovations.
Fire in the Bouches-du- Rhone - Strong mistral winds have fuelled two wildfires in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, one in Martigues and another in Port-de-Bouc, burning over 9 hectares combined. In Martigues, 115 firefighters, several aircraft, and helicopters are battling flames that have burned 2.5 hectares and forced road closures. In Port-de-Bouc, a brush fire has already consumed 7 hectares and is spreading rapidly along the canal, interrupting train traffic. Despite the danger, homes were successfully protected thanks to quick firefighter response, as the region faces a “very severe” fire risk alert.
Convicted drug traffickers will no longer receive social benefits - Convicted drug traffickers in the Alpes-Maritimes will no longer receive social benefits, a first in France. Drug-related income will now be included when calculating eligibility for aid, potentially leading to benefit cuts or repayment demands. This initiative, led by Cannes Mayor David Lisnard and approved by the Grasse prosecutor on the 11th of July, will soon apply across the entire department. A formal agreement has been signed with the local CAF, judiciary, and police forces, and Lisnard is also pushing for the right to evict convicted criminals from social housing.
La Poste to increase prices - La Poste will raise stamp and parcel prices starting January 2026, with an average increase of 7.4%, including a 9.35% rise for the everyday green letter. The price hike is intended to sustain the universal postal service amid declining mail volumes and underfunded public service obligations. New rates include €1.52 for a green letter, €6.11 for a registered letter, and €2.25 for an international letter up to 20g. Parcel Colissimo prices will rise by 3.4% on average, though La Poste claims household spending on postal services will continue to decrease overall.
Swimming banned in Cannes - Swimming has been banned on Monday the 28th of July after heavy rain caused murky runoff to appear in the sea on Cannes' Midi beaches between kiosks 12 and 16. The discoloration came from natural sediment washed down from the Vallon du Riou, following storms in Cannes and Le Cannet. Municipal crews are cleaning the water, and tests are underway to assess its quality. Despite the red flag, some beachgoers remained to sunbathe, while a few ignored the ban and entered the water nearby.
Car drives into crowd - A car has driven toward a crowd early Sunday morning, injuring one person before fleeing the scene outside the Nao Club nightclub in La Garde in the Var. The vehicle reportedly made two passes toward the entrance, narrowly missing several people. The incident may have been retaliation after three individuals were refused entry by security. An investigation for "violence and threats with a weapon by destination" has been opened to identify those responsible.
BUSINESS
The US and EU have reached a major trade deal after tense negotiations, with Trump playing a key role in securing the agreement. The EU avoided a 30% US tariff but accepted a higher than before 15% rate while agreeing to increase American imports, including energy and arms. The deal eases fears of a transatlantic trade war but reflects Europe's weak bargaining position amid economic and security concerns. The US expects up to $90bn in tariff revenue, and the agreement boosts its leverage ahead of renewed talks with China. However, risks to global trade remain if US-China discussions falter.
More homebuyers in the Eastern Caribbean are seeking properties that include citizenship by investment (CBI), especially Americans concerned about political instability. Five island nations, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia, offer CBI from $200,000, granting visa-free access to up to 150 countries. These programmes appeal for tax advantages and a "Plan B" sense of security but have raised international concerns over lax oversight and potential misuse. The EU and US are pressuring the islands to tighten controls, prompting reforms like stricter vetting and regional regulation. Despite criticism, CBI revenues are vital, making up 10–30% of these nations’ GDP.
And - The US and China are set to begin new trade talks in Sweden, with hopes of extending their current 90-day tariff truce, which ends on the 12th of August. The talks follow reports that both sides are open to a three-month extension. The US has temporarily eased tech export restrictions to support negotiations and a potential meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping. Technology exports, particularly AI chips, remain a key issue in the dispute. Meanwhile, the US has recently struck trade deals with the EU, Japan, the UK, and others. While a breakthrough with China isn't expected yet, hopes remain for continued stability in global trade.
SPORTS
Tennis - Briton Francesca Jones claimed her second Challenger Tour title in dominant fashion with a 6-3 6-2 win against Anouk Koevermans in Palermo. The 24-year-old will climb to 84th in the world when the rankings are released on Monday - the first time she has featured inside the top 100.
Cricket - England have added fast-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton to their squad for the decisive fifth Test against India at The Oval. Overton provides cover and depth to a pace attack that was left exhausted by the fourth Test at Old Trafford. England spent 143 overs in the field across the final two days as India earned a draw in Manchester and captain Ben Stokes said his side could need "fresh legs" for the series finale.
WEATHER
It’s mostly clear across the region except for the Alpes-Maritimes department where light rain and risks of thunderstorms loom above our heads. In spite of this, temperatures remain high reaching 27 degrees in Nice, 28 in Cannes and Marseille, 31 in Toulon and 32 degrees accompanied by strong winds with gusts of up to 85km/h.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 21 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear skies with light rain near Tende accompanied by moderate to strong winds and highs of 28 degrees.
A 21-year-old woman has suffered severe 3rd-degree burns in a nightclub in Juan-les-Pins, Alpes-Maritimes. ...
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Due to extremely dry conditions and high temperatures, access to all forest areas in the Bouches-du-Rhône department is strictly prohibited this Monda...
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A rather unsettled start with thundery showers forecast in places. Giving way to sunny skies and light winds. Strong winds are forecast for Saint-Trop...
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It’s an odd stretch of summer weather across southern France. Météo France has issued a red alert, due to a very high wildfire risk on Saturday, the 2...
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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine in September, making it the first G7 natio...
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