NEWS
Traffic forecast in the blazing first days of summer - This first summer holiday weekend will see very heavy traffic across the VINCI Autoroutes network, especially in the Rhône Valley, towards the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean. Drivers are advised to avoid travelling during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and remain alert to fire risks. To help travellers, VINCI Autoroutes will provide real-time traffic updates via their website, social media, and even live drone footage over key motorway points. Various rest stop activities like sports, reading sessions, and electric car valet services will be available on 14 service areas. Additionally, traffic will be especially dense from the 4th-7th of July across key routes including the A7, A9, A10, A11, and around cities like Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, and Marseille, with several zones under surveillance and partial closures due to events and construction
Hot nights bad for health - Hot nights during heatwaves severely disrupt sleep and pose health risks, especially when temperatures stay above 20°C for several nights. Poor sleep due to heat affects deep rest, raises stress levels, and increases the risk of heart issues and mental health problems. Vulnerable populations are particularly at risk, as the body can't recover properly without cooler nights. Experts recommend cooling routines, avoiding stimulants, and staying hydrated to improve sleep in such conditions.
Mayor of Nice freed from custody - Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice, and his wife Laura Tenoudji-Estrosi have been freed from police custody which was part of a judicial investigation into alleged misuse of public funds and conflicts of interest related to two 2023 events: the Junior Eurovision contest and the Nice Climate Summit. Other media figures, including France Télévisions president Delphine Ernotte, were also questioned. The public broadcaster confirmed full cooperation with the investigation. Estrosi's lawyer said no charges were brought and criticised what he called political misuse of the justice system. Prosecutors have not yet commented publicly. If pursued, the case could result in criminal trials with penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
Digitised vehicle registration documents - Vehicle registration documents (carte grise) in France can now be digitised since the 30th of June and accessed via the France Identité app. This allows drivers to present their certificate directly from their smartphone during police checks. The service applies to vehicles registered since 2009 and requires a modern ID card and digital identity activation. Multiple vehicles can be registered in the app. The paper version remains valid as well.
Controversial remarks from RN councillor - The Socialist Party (PS) has contacted the prefect after far-right RN councillor Arnaud Renoir made controversial remarks at Avignon's city council, Vaucluse. The Councillor had described Alexis Carrel, a Nobel Prize-winning doctor known for his fascist ties and support of eugenics, as a "positive, moderate eugenicist." This followed the city’s decision to rename a street previously named after Carrel. The PS condemned Renoir’s comments as "disgraceful and nauseating" and sees them as legitimizing dangerous ideologies linked to Nazi history. They are asking the prefect to assess the legality of the remarks.
Fire - A fire broke out in a 50m² apartment on Monday evening, producing visible smoke in central Nice. The blaze was quickly brought under control by 25 firefighters using seven emergency vehicles. Two residents were relocated by the city, while other occupants found shelter with relatives. A ground-floor pharmacy was temporarily closed, but no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Urbex on the Côte d'Azur - Dozens of luxurious but abandoned villas, châteaux, and observatories on the Côte d’Azur have become a playground for “urbex” enthusiasts, with some urban explorers, like Cédric, who explore forgotten sites without vandalising or stealing to keep those vestiges intact. In Cannes alone, over 80 villas sit empty due to costly renovations or legal deadlocks. Iconic places like the Château Robert and the old Cannes observatory are deteriorating, despite their historical value and stunning views. While some locals hope to restore these sites, financial and ownership issues often block revival efforts.
NEWS UPDATE
Heatwave - The heatwave in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var is expected to peak on Tuesday, the 1st of July, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C. A cooler oceanic air mass and thunderstorms should bring relief starting Thursday, with a noticeable drop of up to 5°C. While the northwest will feel the effects first, the South should cool down by Thursday or Friday. The heatwave is expected to end by Thursday, with milder weather and temperatures around 25-30°C forecast for Sunday.
Private radar cars - Private radar cars will begin operating in July 2025 in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, after launching in the Bouches-du-Rhône in June. These unmarked vehicles detect speeding using invisible infrared flashes. They flash drivers at 146 km/h on motorways, 124 km/h on expressways, and 61 km/h in towns. The goal is to target high-risk areas based on accident data; the Vaucluse is next in line for deployment in October 2025.
IA in pharmacies - La Pharmacie de la Madeleine in Nice has become the first in France to equip its staff with AI-powered headsets to combat shoplifting and improve operations. The system, provided by Wildix, alerts staff in real time to suspicious behaviour via discreet ceiling cameras and headset notifications. The devices also act as smart assistants, allowing staff to check stock, communicate, and answer calls hands-free. The AI, using OpenAI technology, may soon provide short video clips to help verify theft. Staff report improved efficiency and reduced distractions from logistics tasks. A trial will determine how many employees wear the headsets regularly.
BUSINESS
The U.S. Senate is in the middle of a marathon debate on a nearly 1,000-page budget bill central to Donald Trump’s agenda, aiming to extend $3.8 trillion in tax breaks by cutting welfare programs. The bill faces opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans, who criticise its impact on healthcare and its projected $3.3 trillion debt increase. Elon Musk has condemned the bill as "insane" and hinted at launching a new political party. Senate Republicans can afford only three defections, with a tie-breaker possible by VP JD Vance. If passed, the bill returns to the House for another vote.
And - Singapore has introduced a new law allowing police to temporarily seize control of individuals' bank accounts if they suspect the person is being scammed. The Protection from Scams Act, which took effect Tuesday, lets police block transactions and ATM use, even without the victim’s consent. Victims can still access funds for essentials, but only under police discretion. The move aims to curb rising scam cases, which cost Singaporeans S$1.1 billion in 2024. While critics raise concerns about potential abuse and lack of choice, authorities stress the law is a last resort after all warnings have failed.
SPORTS
Football - Scotland left-back Greg Taylor has signed for PAOK, the Greek top-flight club have announced, after rejecting a new contract with Celtic. The 27-year-old, who has 14 caps for his country, spent six years with the Scottish champions after signing from Kilmarnock.
Meanwhile, Midfielder Aitana Bonmati has joined up with Spain's Euro 2025 squad in Switzerland after having treatment for viral meningitis. The 27-year-old missed the 3-1 friendly win over Japan in Leganes last week after missing training and being taken to hospital in Madrid to be treated.
Tennis - Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal both produced impressive victories at either end of a record-breaking day for British players at Wimbledon. Former British number one Boulter took to Centre Court in the evening and secured a rare victory over a top 10 player as she beat Spain's Paula Badosa 6-2 3-6 6-4.
Meanwhile, Wimbledon continues with nine more British players in action on day two, after a record-breaking seven wins on opening day. Jack Draper leads the British charge, facing a tough opponent, while stars like Djokovic, Gauff, and Swiatek begin their campaigns. Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova and world number one Jannik Sinner also feature. Sweltering heat persists, with temperatures expected to hit 32°C again. Live coverage is available throughout the day across BBC platforms.
WEATHER
Though it’s bright and clear on the coast, the inland areas of the PACA region are experiencing thundery showers throughout the afternoon accompanied by moderate to strong winds. It’s still very warm today with highs of 32 degrees in Cannes, 33 in Nice and Marseille, and 34 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Toulon with inland temperatures nearing 39 degrees.
Tonight, the storms will rest and make way for clear skies across the region with lows of 27 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same, clear coasts with thunderstorms higher in the region and moderate winds as temperatures will reach 35 degrees on the coast.
This week will bring unstable weather to the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, with cooler temperatures, scattered showers, and isolated storms, especially mid...
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Violent storms have swept through eastern France leaving one person dead. The bad weather on Sunday caused significant damage. Météo-France placed 13 ...
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Some low cloud to start with, along with scattered showers in places, clearing to give way to sunshine. Strong winds expected in Nice and the Alpes Ma...
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A major wildfire broke out Thursday evening burning 240 hectares and prompting the evacuation of 104 people in Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône. Meanwhile,...
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Train traffic between Hyères and Toulon has been halted following a serious incident. Trains were affected on Thursday, July 17th, shortly after 1pm a...
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