NEWS
Plume of heat - A heatwave-like episode called a "plume of heat" is affecting the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments, with temperatures nearing 40°C by the weekend. This is not officially a heatwave, but a short-lived spike in temperatures well above seasonal norms. Hot air from Africa, combined with Saharan dust and Canadian wildfire smoke, is causing hazy skies. People, especially the vulnerable, are advised to stay cool, hydrated, and avoid going out during peak heat. Experts warn this is the first of many similar summer heat episodes expected in the region.
UNOC - An environmental boat trip aboard the hybrid catamaran Mayba has been organized by France Nature Environnement to promote Mediterranean biodiversity during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. About 70 participants, including scientists and officials, discussed ecosystem protection, climate adaptation, and marine conservation. During the conference, France reaffirmed its commitment to fight illegal fishing, which harms marine biodiversity, human rights, and the fishing economy. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a global issue, representing 15% of worldwide catches and often involving forced labour. France uses satellite and drone surveillance, with future plans to employ AI to detect suspicious activity. The country struggles with seafood traceability, as illegal fish can enter European markets via unregulated ports. France conducted over 2,200 at-sea inspections in 2024, and new international laws will help protect marine biodiversity in high seas zones. Experts criticized outdated practices in parts of the Mediterranean, like dynamite fishing and lack of sewage treatment. The future marine protected area off Nice was welcomed, though concerns remain over what activities will be allowed within it.
Shipwreck discovered - A 16th-century merchant shipwreck has been discovered in March 2025 off the coast of Ramatuelle, Alpes-Maritimes, at over 2,500 meters deep, the deepest ever found in French waters. It was spotted by the French Navy during a seabed survey and later confirmed as previously unknown by underwater archaeologists at Drassm. The ship is unusually well preserved, with over 200 intact ceramic jugs possibly from northern Italy, iron bars, plates, and several cannons on board, likely indicating trade though its exact origin and destination remain unknown. Named “Camarat 4,” it is the fourth shipwreck found near Cap Camarat. Due to the depth, only remote-operated equipment can explore it, with high-resolution images aiding an extensive archaeological investigation. Researchers were shocked by the amount of modern trash found at the site, highlighting both its archaeological value and current ocean pollution.
Monaco artificial reefs - Scientists are monitoring six artificial reefs placed in 2017 to study the impact of climate change on underwater life in Monaco’s protected marine areas. The reefs, made with 3D-printed dolomite sand, now host over 100 species 35 meters deep, but some, like bryozoans, have declined due to rising sea temperatures. Researchers conduct regular dives and detailed photo analyses to track changes in vegetation and animal life on the reefs. Warmer waters are also causing new, sometimes invasive, species from other seas to migrate into the Mediterranean. Experts stress the need for long-term studies and adaptive strategies to protect marine ecosystems from climate change.
Nice airport extension - The planned extension of Nice Airport’s Terminal 2 has been met with strong enthusiasm from hospitality professionals, who see it as a boost for tourism and business travel. They believe it will attract high-spending visitors, create jobs, and improve the region's international competitiveness. The project aims to enhance passenger comfort with modern infrastructure and smoother travel flows. However, critics raise environmental concerns, warning of more pollution, noise, and mass tourism. Tourism leaders suggest better regional planning can spread visitors beyond crowded hotspots and ease pressure on local life.
Weapons' shipment - A human rights group (LDH) has filed a legal complaint against French company Eurolinks for allegedly supplying Israel with weapon parts used in attacks on Gaza. Dock workers in Marseille refused to load a shipment of machine gun parts destined for Israel. The charges include complicity in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The French government denies selling any weapons to Israel, calling the claims false and harmful. According to investigative media, this would be the third such shipment from Fos-sur-Mer to Haifa since April 2025.
Cycling for funds and awareness - Philippe Choquet, 54, has cycled from Monaco to Andorra in under 48 hours, which amounts to 662 km with 7,270 m elevation to raise awareness for organ donation and rare liver diseases in children. Facing extreme weather, rough detours, and sleeplessness, he completed the ride powered by dedication to the cause and support from his small volunteer team. His nighttime ride offered peaceful moments, while the final climb in a storm was a true physical test. Modest and driven by purpose, he was met with quiet support at the finish, not fanfare. The ride aimed to help raise €20,000 for research and paediatric care, and Choquet is already planning future challenges.
NEWS UPDATE
Road accident - Two elderly people have been involved in a car accident. An 84-year-old man has been hit by a car while crossing the street in Le Cannet-Rocheville, Alpes-Maritimes. The incident occurred around 10am near a Leclerc store, as the man crossed behind a bus. He was thrown onto the car’s hood and landed about 15 meters away, suffering a head injury and shoulder pain. Emergency services arrived quickly and took him to Cannes Hospital. The 87-year-old driver, who was in shock, tested negative for alcohol and drugs; an investigation is underway.
BUSINESS
APM Monaco, the jewellery house founded in 1982, is partnering with Coya Monte-Carlo for summer 2025. From now until October 15, a special APM-themed space will be featured at the restaurant. The decor blends APM’s iconic palm designs with Coya’s vibrant, sunny ambiance. The collaboration includes exclusive events, signature cocktails, and appearances by influencers and celebrities. It’s a celebration of contemporary jewellery and fine dining in Monaco’s chic summer scene.
And - A human-sized Labubu doll sold for a record $150,000 at a Beijing auction, making it the most expensive of its kind. Labubu toys, quirky monsters by artist Kasing Lung, have surged in popularity due to celebrity endorsements from Lisa (Blackpink), Rihanna, and others. The dolls, typically sold for around 50 yuan (6 euros), sparked a global frenzy and were even pulled from UK stores after customer fights. Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind the toys, sells them in mystery blind boxes and saw its revenue double in 2024. The recent auction featured 48 Labubu items and raised a total of 3.37 million yuan.
SPORTS
Football - Michal Probierz has resigned as Poland manager in the wake of Robert Lewandowski saying he would not play for the country under him. Lewandowski, who is Poland's record goalscorer with 85 goals in 158 appearances, quit his national team on Sunday after Probierz replaced him as captain with Piotr Zielinski.
Meanwhile, Brighton have agreed a £29.78m (35m euros) deal with Olympiakos for 18-year-old forward Charalampos Kostoulas. The teenager was undergoing a medical with the club on Thursday, ahead of signing a five-year contract that will start on 1 July.
Cycling - Belgium's Remco Evenepoel has taken the overall lead of the Criterium du Dauphine after victory in the time trial on stage 4. The reigning Olympic and world time trial champion beat nearest rival Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike by 21 seconds on the 17.4km course.
Rugby Union - Sale Sharks have appointed Marco Bortolami as head coach to work alongside director of rugby Alex Sanderson. The ex-Italy forward replaces Paul Deacon, who left the club on Wednesday after holding the role since 2020.
WEATHER
It looks like we have yet another gorgeous day ahead of us with bright and clear skies and gentle to moderate winds. On the coast we’ll have highs of 26 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 27 in Cannes, 28 in Saint-Tropez and 29 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 18 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear across the region though the inland areas of the Alpes-Maritimes may be visited by thunderstorms midafternoon as temperatures vary between 29 degrees in Nice and 37 degrees in the Var.
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, are suing right-wing US political commentator Candace Owens for spreading false and hu...
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Cloudy start with sunshine filtering in later in the day. Highs of 29 degrees in Monaco by mid-afternoon, 31 degrees in Nice and 28 degrees in Saint-T...
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France Travail, formerly Pôle Emploi, has suffered a cyberattack affecting the personal data of up to 340,000 job seekers. ...
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A serious accident involving four vehicles, including a lorry has caused major traffic disruption on the A50 motorway near Six-Fours in the Var region...
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Being well into the summer party season Monaco is ramping up efforts to tackle drink-driving with the return of BAF Monaco’s free late-night shuttle s...
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