NEWS
Drought - Due to ongoing drought, the Var department has placed nearly 150 communes under water vigilance and four under official drought alert. High temperatures and lack of rainfall have worsened the situation, prompting water-saving measures. Residents must limit non-essential water use like watering gardens, washing cars, or filling pools. In the four alert communes, watering is restricted and reduced by 20%, and completely banned between 9am and 7pm. Businesses and local authorities must also monitor and reduce their water usage.
Fire risk - The fire risk in southeastern France is extremely high, prompting red alerts in the Var, Vaucluse, and Bouches-du-Rhône. Around 30 forest areas are closed to the public, with authorities urging extreme caution due to heat, drought, and strong winds. Over 1,000 firefighters are deployed, with reinforcements from other regions. Most fires are human-caused, so public cooperation is essential to prevent new outbreaks.
Planning your days off after holiday cuts - Prime Minister François Bayrou is considering cutting two public holidays in 2026, namely Easter Monday and the 8th of May, which commemorates the armistice of the Second World War, to ease the national budget. Despite this, the calendar still allows for smart holiday planning, offering 26 days off, including weekends, by using just five holiday days. Key dates include the 1st of May, Ascension, the 14th of July, and Christmas. If the proposal is rejected and all 11 holidays remain, workers could enjoy up to 32 days off with only five days requested. Cutting two bank holidays has sparked backlash from tourism professionals and political figures.
Lifeguards attacked by naked man - Two firefighter lifeguards have been assaulted after confronting a man who was walking around naked on a public beach in Nice. When asked to dress, the man became violent, pushing one lifeguard and punching the other, causing a minor facial injury. He was quickly arrested by municipal police and taken into custody. Authorities and the mayor strongly condemned the attack, vowing legal action.
Fline - Interactive breathalyser kiosks, called Fline, are being installed in bars across the Var department this summer to help patrons test their blood alcohol level for free. The touchscreen machines use disposable mouthpieces and give quick, clear results, including warnings when the legal limit is exceeded. The goal is to prevent drunk driving by offering an easy and even fun way for people to check their sobriety. These kiosks are part of a wider alcohol safety campaign, especially as alcohol remains a factor in a third of fatal accidents in the region.
Hollywood drawn to the Côte d'Azur - Hollywood productions are increasingly choosing the Côte d’Azur for filming, drawn by its diverse landscapes, cost-saving potential, and strong local support. The film Heads of State, disrupted by strikes in the US, was relocated entirely to the Alpes-Maritimes, showcasing how the region can double for multiple countries. Tax incentives and local expertise helped generate €17 million in just 21 days, benefiting the local economy. The area's rapid responsiveness and scenic versatility make it a growing hub for international shoots.
Summer Vibes cancelled? - The Summer Vibes electronic music festival in Fréjus, scheduled for the 18th and 19th of July, is at risk of cancellation after its organising company, Brothers Company, was placed into liquidation on the 30th of June. Despite being sold out and featuring major DJs like Cassius and Steve Angelo, uncertainty remains about whether the event will go ahead. Ticket buyers are advised to wait before making purchases, and suppliers fear they may not be paid. The city of Fréjus is expected to comment soon.
NEWS UPDATE
Backlash for 2026 budget - French Prime Minister François Bayrou is facing strong criticism over his 2026 budget, which includes cutting two public holidays and freezing pensions and social benefits to save €43.8 billion. While President Macron supports the plan, several political allies are either silent or openly critical, and both far-right (RN) and far-left (LFI) parties are threatening a censure motion. The government is hoping to negotiate a compromise with the Socialist Party, though they currently reject the proposals. Talks may stretch into autumn, with growing pressure from unions calling for protests against the perceived social rollback.
Louis-II parking lot closed until 6th of October - The Louis-II parking lot in Monaco will be completely closed from the 21st of July to the 6th of October 2025, due to renovation work on the floors, walls, and ceilings. During this 10-week closure, subscribers will be redirected to the Grimaldi Forum and Portier parking lots, while visitors should use the Viaduc parking. For questions, users can contact the Public Parking Service at spp@gouv.mc or (+377) 98 98 80 49.
BUSINESS
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new trade deal with Indonesia, reducing proposed tariffs on Indonesian goods to 19% in exchange for "full access" for American companies. Indonesia has agreed to buy $15 billion in U.S. energy, $4.5 billion in agricultural products, and 50 Boeing jets. While Indonesia's President Prabowo called it a "new era of mutual benefit," full terms have not been confirmed. This comes amid Trump’s broader push to renegotiate trade with multiple countries ahead of planned August tariffs. Experts say the deal’s benefits for Indonesia may be more political than economic.
And - Chinese toy company Pop Mart expects its profits to surge over 350% in the first half of 2025, driven by the global success of its Labubu dolls. The elf-like figures, sold in "blind boxes," have become a viral sensation, especially in the U.S., boosted by celebrity endorsements and strong international sales. The company’s revenues have more than tripled, with nearly 40% coming from outside China. Pop Mart now runs over 2,000 stores and vending machines globally and has seen its stock market value rise almost 600% in a year. The craze has also led to a booming resale market and a rise in counterfeit products.
SPORTS
Cricket - England have been fined and docked two World Test Championship points for their slow over-rate in the Test victory against India at Lord's. Ben Stokes' side beat India by 22 runs during the third Test on Monday to take a 2-1 series lead. However, England's slow over-rate infuriated their opponents. In a five-day Test, 90 overs are scheduled for each day and teams can be punished for failing to bowl 15 overs in an hour.
Rugby Union - England flanker Tom Curry is set to start in the back row for the British and Irish Lions in the first Test against Australia, with Wales' Jac Morgan missing out on selection. Morgan, Wales' only representative in the 44-man squad, had been pushing hard for a place on the open-side flank after some outstanding performances on tour. Meanwhile, it is understood Sione Tuipulotu will start at inside centre as part of an all-Scottish midfield.
Athletics - Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson has signed up to compete in the all-female Athlos New York City event this autumn. Athlos is a project backed by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian's venture capital firm Seven Seven Six. The Briton, who has not raced since winning 800m gold at the Paris Olympics last August, will compete in the second edition of the athletics event on the 10th of October.
WEATHER
Today is everything you can expect from a summer day, it’s bright, warm and windy with gusts reaching 65 km/h. A red heatwave and drought alert has been issued in the var department as we have highs of 29 degrees in Nice, 30 in Cannes, 34 in Marseille and Saint-Tropez and 35 degrees in Toulon. Inland 38 degrees can be expected in many communes of the Var.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 21 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, fine and bright with highs of 37 degrees in the Var with moderate to strong winds.
Due to ongoing drought, the Var department has placed nearly 150 communes under water vigilance and four under official drought alert. ...
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Meteo France have placed the Var on a top-level red alert for forest fires today. Two other nearby departments, the Bouches-du-Rhone and the Vaucluse ...
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The Var department will be placed under red alert for wildfires on Wednesday the 16th of July, due to a "very high" risk, worsened by strong Mistral a...
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Commemorations took place yesterday in Nice to mark the anniversary of the attack in July 2016 in which 86 people lost their lives...
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French TV host and producer Thierry Ardisson has died in Paris at the age of 76 from liver cancer, his family announced. ...
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