NEWS
Philippe Mettoux to be appointed Minister of State - Philippe Mettoux has been appointed by H.S.H. Prince Albert II as Monaco’s new Minister of State, effective the 4th of July 2025. He has a background in the judiciary and has held key roles in France's Ministry of Justice and Interior, later joining the Conseil d’État. Since 2013, he has served as Legal and Compliance Director and internal mediator at SNCF. The Prince has thanked Isabelle Berro-Amadeï for her dedicated interim service over the past six months. Her professionalism ensured continuity in government while she also maintained her role as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Traffic restrictions in Monaco - Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be restricted on the 7th and 8th of June due to the Blue Economy and Finance Forum and a State visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in Monaco. Avenue Princesse Grace and Boulevard Louis II will be closed at various times, with bus lines rerouted and parking access limited. Pedestrians will be redirected, and only accredited individuals will be allowed in some areas. Bus routes 1–6 will follow specific detours, and the boat bus service will be suspended both days, resuming on Monday, the 9th of June. Authorities may adjust restrictions as needed for security.
Record drug seizure - A record drug seizure has taken place in Vaucluse, where police and customs officers confiscated one ton of cannabis and 4 kg of cocaine, worth around €9 million. The bust followed a months-long investigation by Avignon's narcotics brigade and the Marseille prosecutor’s office is now handling the case. Although 300 kg of drugs were destroyed on the 4th of June, the ton seized is still in police storage. This highlights the ongoing and significant cannabis trafficking activity in the region.
Bodies found a year later - A mother and her two adult children have been found in a decomposing state during a scheduled eviction in Le Pontet, near Avignon, Vaucluse. The family hadn’t been heard from in over two months and hadn’t paid rent since June 2024. Authorities suspect the deaths occurred about a year ago, possibly a double infanticide followed by suicide. A murder investigation has been opened, and autopsies are scheduled to determine the exact causes of death.
Summer camps - Many parents are struggling to secure spots in summer day camps, with some receiving none of the weeks they had requested in Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes. The city’s online system is complex and based on a “first come, first served” rule, leading to frustration and long waiting lists. Though the town opened over 1,400 spots, demand still outpaces availability, and parents must monitor emails constantly for last-minute openings. With no care available the last week of August and no legal obligation for towns to provide summer childcare, many parents turn to grandparents or other alternatives.
Cliiink - A new incentive program has been launched using the Cliiink system, allowing people to exchange glass bottles for shopping vouchers in Grasse. Each bottle deposited earns points, and 150 points can be traded for a €5 voucher usable in 40 local stores with no minimum purchase. The initiative supports recycling, boosts local business, and helps citizens' purchasing power. Additionally, for every ton of glass collected, €3.05 is donated to the League Against Cancer. With 150 collection points already active, Grasse continues to lead in eco-friendly innovation.
Throwing unsold pastries - Bakery students are being forced to throw away unsold bread, pastries, and cakes due to a new school rule at the Port-de-Bouc training centre, Bouches-du-Rhône. Previously sold or given away, these items must now be discarded, even though they’re still perfectly edible. Students like 18-year-old Mathilda are outraged, calling it wasteful and scandalous amid rising concerns over food waste. Locals and students suggest donating the goods to charities or hospitals, but strict hygiene laws and school rules prevent redistribution.
Pentecost weekend activities - Over Pentecost weekend, the national event "Rendez-vous aux jardins" will take place in three main gardens: Fontana Rosa, Serre de la Madone, and Val Rahmeh in Menton, Alpes-Maritimes. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, botanical drawing workshops, ceramic exhibitions, and literary events. The Val Rahmeh garden also offers free entry and a special guided tour for its 150th anniversary. On Saturday, a countryside day at Terrain Boulard features eco-activities, nature workshops, and family-friendly entertainment. A free shuttle service will run to the countryside venue, making the weekend both festive and eco-conscious.
NEWS UPDATE
CGT Strike - Protesters have gathered on the 5th of June in Nice’s Place Masséna to oppose the French pension reform raising the retirement age to 64. The demonstration coincided with a parliamentary vote on a resolution to repeal the reform, though it held no legal power. Unions criticize politicians for avoiding the vote and expressed disappointment over broken promises, especially toward healthcare workers. Many participants, including teachers and nurses, voiced concerns about working conditions and growing inequalities, particularly for women. Protesters emphasized strong public opposition, with 61% of French citizens favouring a return to retirement at 62.
Accident on the A8 - Traffic on the A8 motorway on Thursday evening was heavily disrupted due to two accidents in the Alpes-Maritimes. The first crash, involving six vehicles, occurred near Antibes-Est, and the second near the Las Planas tunnel in Nice. Both incidents reduced traffic to a single lane, causing major delays. A third traffic jam formed near Saint-Laurent-du-Var, heading toward Aix-en-Provence, though no accident was reported there. Delays ranged from 10 to 20 minutes, with congestion spreading to nearby exits like Mougins and Nice Est.
BUSINESS
Many airlines, including Air Canada and Southwest, now charge for checked and even hand luggage, sparking backlash from consumers and politicians. To avoid fees, travellers are increasingly buying small carry-on suitcases, fuelling a boom in compact luggage sales and online packing tips. These "junk fees" have become a major revenue stream, with U.S. airlines earning over $7 billion from baggage fees alone in 2024. Social media influencers like Chelsea Dickenson have found success testing and reviewing luggage that meets airline size limits. Meanwhile, some groups are challenging the legality of charging for hand luggage in Europe, while airlines like IndiGo avoid such fees altogether.
And - Elon Musk has publicly criticized U.S President Donald Trump’s new tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that would massively increase the U.S. deficit. The bill, which is key to Trump’s second-term agenda, includes tax cuts, more defence spending, and a raised debt ceiling. Musk has warned that those who support the bill could face political consequences in the next elections. Despite Musk’s departure from the Trump administration, tensions have risen over the bill’s impact on debt, Tesla, and FAA tech contracts.
SPORTS
Football – The two favourites for the Ballon d'Or will go head-to-head in Thursday's Nations League semi-final. France’s Ousmane Dembele and Spain’s Lamine Yamal meet in Stuttgart at 8 o’clock (20:00 BST) for a place in Sunday's final against Portugal - after the conclusion of remarkable domestic seasons for both.
Rugby Union - Bristol Bears' Premiership semi-final against Bath has been described as a "dream game" by director of rugby Pat Lam. Lam's side go into the match as underdogs having finished the season fourth, 14 points behind their local rivals in the regular season standings. However, a league double over Bath this season backs up Lam's notion that his side "know how to beat Bath" - a defiant claim made following his side's 52-26 victory against Harlequins which confirmed Bears' play-off spot.
Tennis - World number 361 Lois Boisson says she is not satisfied with defying the odds to reach the semi-finals of the French Open and wants to fulfil a childhood "dream" by winning her home Grand Slam. Boisson, who entered the Roland Garros draw as a wildcard, ensured her fairytale run would continue with a 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 triumph over sixth seed Mirra Andreeva.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny with cloudy patches across the region, and light showers planned near Puget-Thénier and Tende this afternoon. We’ll have highs of 24 degrees in Nice and Cannes, 25 in Toulon and Marseille and 26 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, all clear across the region with lows of 18 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear with highs of 25 degrees and moderate winds.
Sunny and warm weather is expected this weekend in the Alpes-Maritimes. Friday is mostly clear but brings light rain in inland areas, with highs aroun...
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In response to growing frustration from local shopkeepers and restaurant owners the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture has revised the delivery time slots for...
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Philippe Mettoux has been appointed by H.S.H. Prince Albert II as Monaco’s new Minister of State, effective the 4th of July 2025....
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The French government plans to start intercepting small boats carrying asylum seekers even when already at sea. NGOs warn this move, agreed upon by Fr...
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Cloudy with scattered showers and sunny spells. A gentle to moderate breeze. Highs of 23 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez, 24 degrees in Nice, 22 de...
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