NEWS
Summer is Here - The Var department has experienced its first "tropical night" of the season, with temperatures not dropping below 25°C at 3 am, particularly in Hyères. Several other southern cities also saw unusually warm nighttime temperatures above 20°C. This marks a potential seasonal record, with weekend highs expected to reach up to 34°C across France.
Helicopter Crew of SAMU 06 on Strike - The helicopter crews of SAMU 06 have launched an unlimited strike to protest poor working conditions and low pay, with some earning minimum wage despite high responsibilities in the Alpes-Maritimes. Despite the strike, they may be requisitioned to continue emergency missions. The pilots, employed by a private company, claim their essential roles are undervalued and underpaid.
Drug Lab Dismantled in the Var - French authorities have dismantled a synthetic drug lab in the Var, directly linked to Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa cartel, the first known case of cartel “chemists” operating in France. These specialists were sent near Toulon in spring 2024 to produce large quantities of methamphetamine, which was then exported as far as New Zealand. Fifteen people have been arrested, including French suspects with a drug trafficking past, and the network included a Mexican leader based in Belgium. Last Saturday, the Marseille public prosecutor's office announced the dismantling of this international network, after months of investigation following the arrest in June 2024 of two people carrying 215kg of methamphetamine.
Natural Disaster Insurance Claims in the Var - Following deadly storms that caused three deaths and major damage in May, 14 towns have been officially declared natural disaster zones in the Var department. This government recognition allows affected residents to begin insurance claims, provided their policies cover such risks. Locals now have 30 days to report their losses for compensation. Despite the damage, local officials confirm that water quality remains safe and tourism can continue as usual. The declaration aims to speed up recovery and support for the communities hardest hit by the storm.
Presidential Visit to the Principality - French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will make a state visit to Monaco on the 7th and 8th June hosted by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène. The visit will include private talks, a state dinner, and participation in the Blue Economy and Finance Forum. The trip will conclude with a joint visit to Nice for the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3).
Sainte-Agnès Road Works - Work continues near the A8 motorway ramp in Sainte-Agnès, with full weekday daytime closures until the end of June to secure a hillside retaining wall and upgrade drainage systems. Traffic is reduced to a single alternating lane, with complete shutdowns at specific times, and detours in place during those hours. The project, fully funded by Vinci Autoroutes, uses eco-friendly low-carbon cement and aims to ensure long-term safety and environmental care.
Electronic Festival - An electronic music festival called Les Apéros du Patrimoine will take place on the 14th-15th of June at Fort Napoléon in the Var, combining music and heritage preservation. Organized by the association Le P’ti Apéro Improvisé in partnership with the Fondation du Patrimoine, part of the ticket sales will fund restoration of historic buildings. The initiative aims to attract adult audiences to heritage sites through thoughtful, cultural events.
NEWS UPDATE
Nice's Former Godfather Dies at 84 - Michel Soret, known as "Le Vieux" and once considered the former godfather of Nice's underworld, has died at 84 from an aggressive cancer in Lille, where he had retired. Though he denied the title, he was a key figure in organized crime and was convicted in 2016 for illegal gambling and cigarette trafficking. A former butcher and yoga enthusiast, he spent nine months in pre-trial detention and later moved north to be near his daughter after his wife's death.
Alpes-Maritimes Electrical Sabotage - France’s anti-terror unit (SDAT) has taken over the investigation into recent electrical sabotage in the Alpes-Maritimes, including power cuts affecting Cannes, Nice Airport, and Thales Alenia Space. The attacks were claimed by anarchist groups aiming to disrupt the Cannes Festival and other strategic sites. Authorities are now coordinating efforts nationally, assessing the credibility of the claims and potential links between incidents.
Greenpeace Activists Arrested - Four Greenpeace activists have been taken into custody after tagging public spaces to raise awareness about ocean protection ahead of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) taking place in June in Nice. Greenpeace says the activists used chalk stencils and posters to pressure decision-makers but were not allowed to contact lawyers or family. A support rally is planned outside the Auvare police station, and the Nice prosecutor has not yet commented on the legal consequences.
BUSINESS
Chile is the world’s second-largest salmon exporter, but controversy surrounds the industry as many farms operate in environmentally protected areas, including national parks. Critics argue the farms are polluting marine ecosystems, while industry leaders say overregulation is stalling growth and relocation efforts. The government is working on reforms, but progress is slow and complicated by political uncertainty.
American model and entrepreneur Hailey Bieber is selling her skincare brand Rhode to e.l.f. Beauty in a deal worth up to $1 billion. Launched in 2022, Rhode quickly gained popularity online, with over $200 million in sales in the past year. Bieber will stay on as Chief Creative Officer, as the brand expands into global markets like Sephora.
And - The Monte-Carlo SBM Group have reported strong results for 2024/2025, with revenue up 9% to €768 million, driven by hotel and restaurant growth. Net profit rose to €110.1 million, boosted by successful openings and increased financial returns. The group continues to invest in its resorts and maintains a solid financial position with €186.3 million in net cash.
SPORTS
Tennis - Emma Raducanu says she is not feeling "demotivated" despite her miserable record against five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek continuing in a one-sided French Open defeat. The British number two was outclassed in a 6-1 6-2 second-round exit which means she has lost all five of her matches against the world number five.
Cricket - England batter Heather Knight has been ruled out of international action for the rest of the summer with a hamstring injury and will also miss The Hundred. Former captain Knight, 34, sustained the injury during England's win over West Indies in the third T20 on Monday.
Football - Bayern Munich have announced defender Jonathan Tah is joining them on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The Germany international, 29, has signed a four-year contract with the Bundesliga champions. Tah spent 10 seasons with Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga and German Cup double unbeaten during the 2023-24 season.
WEATHER
Hazy sky with sunny intervals and moderate winds. The summer is coming early this year as we’ll have highs of 27 degrees in Nice, 28 in Cannes, 30 in Toulon and Marseille and 31 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 17 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, fine and bright with highs of 26 degrees and moderate winds.
Another power outage has hit three towns on Friday morning, the 30th of May, affecting 120 homes in the Alpes-Maritimes....
Read More
France’s health minister has announced that France will introduce a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor public areas commonly visited by children, st...
Read More
The Var department has experienced its first "tropical night" of the season, with temperatures not dropping below 25°C at 3 am, particularly in Hyères...
Read More
The Société des Bains de Mer (S.B.M.) has announced solid financial results for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, ending March 31, 2025, with revenue rising ...
Read More
France is set to experience record-breaking heat over the Ascension Day holiday, with tomorrow, Friday, May 30th, expected to be the hottest day of th...
Read More
