NEWS
Violent winds - Violent winds have swept across the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and Corsica on the evening of the 7th of July. In Corsica, gusts reached up to 160 km/h, especially around Cap Sagro, while other areas saw winds between 90 and 140 km/h. In the Var, gusts exceeded 100 km/h, with a peak of 114 km/h in Dramont. The Alpes-Maritimes also experienced strong winds, with gusts up to 82 km/h in Antibes and 80 km/h in Nice. Due to the high fire risk, eight forest areas in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes have been closed on Tuesday.
Fatal crash - Two people have died in a collision between a bicycle and a motorbike on the night of the 7th of July on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. The victims were the cyclist and the motorbike's female passenger; the driver was seriously injured. The crash was allegedly caused by the cyclist running a red light and an investigation has been opened to determine the speed of the motorbike before the collision. The incident highlights rising road dangers in the Alpes-Maritimes, particularly for motorbike users, who are overrepresented in serious accidents.
Smoke inhalation - An 88-year-old man has been hospitalized for smoke inhalation on Monday night after trying to stop a fire near his home in Fréjus, Var. The blaze started in a hedge and spread to garden furniture but was contained by 22 firefighters. Although the house was saved, 60 meters of hedge were destroyed, causing concern in the area already affected by another fire earlier that day.
Anti-mosquito devices - Anti-mosquito devices that mimic human breath and body odour have been in use for a year and are proving highly effective against tiger mosquitoes in Le Cannet, Alpes-Maritimes. These chemical-free, silent machines attract and trap mosquitoes without harming other insects. Twenty devices, each covering up to 60 meters, have been strategically placed around the city. Locals and businesses report a major improvement, especially in outdoor areas. No dengue cases have been detected since their deployment, and the city also uses larvicides and educates residents to eliminate stagnant water.
Cancelled fireworks for Bastille day - The town of Bollène, Vaucluse, has cancelled its fireworks display scheduled for Tuesday due to strong winds. Gusts over 40 km/h are expected, raising safety concerns. The announcement was made on the town’s official Facebook page.
76th Monaco Red Cross Gala - The 76th Monaco Red Cross Gala will take place on the 12th of July at the Salle des Etoiles, in the presence of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène. The evening includes a gala dinner, luxury tombola, and a special concert by British rock legend Billy Idol. Artist Bernar Venet will donate a major work to support the charity. The event celebrates the humanitarian work of the Monaco Red Cross, which has been active since 1948. Dress code is formal, and tickets cost €1,900 per person.
NEWS UPDATE
Wildfire causes MArseille airport to close - A fast-moving wildfire near Marseille forced the closure of Marseille-Provence Airport on the 8th of July. The fire, sparked by a vehicle blaze, quickly spread across 30 hectares due to strong mistral winds, prompting the evacuation of two housing estates in Les Pennes-Mirabeau and threatening a nearby care home. Over 160 firefighters, supported by aircraft and helicopters, are battling the flames. Several flights were diverted to Nice, Lyon, Montpellier and Nymes, and many other flights were cancelled due to the fire.
BUSINESS
U.S. President Donald Trump has delayed imposing higher tariffs, previously set for the 9th of July, giving countries until the 1st of August to negotiate. Letters were sent to 14 nations, including Japan and South Korea, warning of tariffs up to 40%, depending on U.S. relations. Trump claims the tariffs protect American industry, though economists warn of rising prices and reduced trade. While some countries, like Japan and South Korea, seek to negotiate deals, others, like South Africa, have strongly opposed the unilateral increases. Investors view the move as a negotiating tactic, and the U.S. remains in talks with several nations, including the EU and India.
And - The UK government plans to ban employers from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims of workplace sexual harassment or discrimination. This change, part of the Employment Rights Bill, would make such confidentiality clauses legally void. Campaigner Zelda Perkins, who broke her NDA to expose Harvey Weinstein, welcomed the move as a major step forward. Critics argue that NDAs have long protected powerful abusers rather than victims. The reform would align the UK with countries like Ireland and parts of the US and Canada. The bill will be debated in the House of Lords on the 14th of July.
SPORTS
Pétanque - Several top teams, including Riviera, Hatchadourian, and Messonnier, were eliminated in the 32nd finals of the 2025 Mondial La Marseillaise à pétanque. Rocher and Bonetto are still in but facing difficulties, while the Malagasy team won their match 13-0. Only 64 teams remain as the competition intensifies on July 8.
Football - Newcastle United have agreed a £55m fee with Nottingham Forest for Sweden winger Anthony Elanga. Newcastle are seeking to strengthen their attacking options as they prepare for their return to the Champions League following a fifth-placed Premier League finish last season. The 23-year-old scored six goals and produced 11 assists for Nuno Espirito Santo's side during their successful 2024-25 Premier League season.
Rugby Union - Australia's preparations to face the British and Irish Lions have suffered a major setback after first-choice fly-half Noah Lolesio was ruled out of the series. The 25-year-old was carried off the pitch in the Wallabies' 21-18 win over Fiji on Sunday with an apparent whiplash injury.
WEATHER
Fine and bright today with strong winds across the region reaching 85 km/h. though it doesn’t feel like it, temperatures a bit cooler than before with highs of 28 degrees in Marseille, 29 in Nice and Toulon, 32 in Saint-Tropez and 33 degrees in Cannes.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 22 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, fine and bright again with highs of 28 degrees and moderate winds.
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