NEWS
Crit'air - Due to an ozone pollution spike, only vehicles with Crit’Air green, 1, or 2 stickers can drive in Marseille's Low Emissions Zone (ZFE) on Wednesday, the 2nd of July, from 6am to midnight. This differentiated traffic measure follows persistent poor air quality caused by hot, stagnant, ozone-laden air from the sea. Authorities urge the public to reduce car use or carpool, and take public transport instead, with discounted fares and increased metro/tram frequency offered. Emergency pollution rules also include reduced speed limits, stricter industrial emission controls, and restrictions on polluting activities across various sectors. Crit’Air stickers can be ordered online or by mail for €3.81.
Record temperatures - Météo France has placed the Vaucluse department on orange heatwave alert as extreme heat continues, with record temperatures recorded on Tuesday, the 1st of July, reaching 41.4°C in Cadenet and 40.2°C in Avignon, surpassing previous July records. The heat is expected to persist through the week, with no relief before the weekend. Meteorologists warn of an unusually long and intense heatwave.
Train and bus traffic measures during extreme heat - Due to an intense heatwave, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region has activated a special heat plan on the 2nd of July, to protect train and bus passengers. Measures include enhanced air-conditioning checks, water fountains in 11 stations, and distribution of reusable bottles, fans, and water. Extra hydration support kicks in at alert level 3, with water handed out at stations and on board. Public messages remind travellers of key heatwave precautions.
Swimming pool free access - In response to the heatwave, the Campelières swimming pool will be free to the public for the first time ever on the 2nd and 3rd of July in Mougins, Alpes-Maritimes. The pool will be open at specific hours to help locals cool off. Additionally, "cooling" events like free ice cream and fresh juice will be offered at the Sunday market on the 6th and 13th of July, under shaded areas to support residents during the extreme heat.
Traffic jams today at noon - Traffic on the A8 motorway towards Italy has been heavily congested on Wednesday the 2nd of July at noon due to a major jam starting on the Italian side and extending into France. The journey from Nice to Ventimiglia took around 1 hour and 50 minutes leading to another traffic jam forming in the opposite direction near the La Turbie toll. Drivers are urged to be cautious, especially in the heat.
Train traffic this morning - Train traffic was completely halted on the morning of Wednesday, the 2nd of July between Avignon and Cavaillon, after a woman was hit by a train near L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue around 5am, Vaucluse. The SNCF announced that service would gradually resume around 9am. Travelers were advised to check for updates before departing.
Mamy traffic attacked - The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has condemned a violent assault on a senior school crossing guard ("mamy trafic") who was reportedly punched in the face while helping children cross the road near the Bischoffsheim school near the Riquier train station. The attack occurred on Wednesday morning and left the woman unconscious. Estrosi called the act "totally abject" and is demanding strong legal action, with security footage being reviewed to identify the attacker.
Safety drill in the Moulière station - Ahead of the summer season, the Moulière station in the Alpes-Maritimes has conducted a full safety drill, including a simulated chairlift evacuation. Technicians practiced rescuing a stranded passenger 10 meters above ground to ensure all procedures are in place. These checks are essential for visitor safety as the station shifts from skiing to summer activities like mountain biking. The park opens daily in July and August and is increasingly focused on attracting summer tourists.
BUSINESS
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Japan to 30 or 35% if a trade deal isn’t reached by the 9th of July, when a temporary 10% tariff pause expires. Japan currently faces various U.S. import duties, including 25% on vehicles and 50% on steel. Trump has expressed doubt about reaching an agreement, criticizing Japan’s trade policies, especially its restrictions on U.S. rice. Japan has declined to comment directly but stated it won't make concessions that harm its farmers. So far, only the UK has finalized a deal during the negotiation window.
Australian airline Qantas has alerted customers after a cyberattack hit a third-party platform used by its contact centre, affecting data from around six million people. The stolen information includes names, emails, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent flyer numbers, but not financial or passport data. Qantas quickly contained the breach and is working with authorities, including the Australian Federal Police. While the full extent is still under investigation, the breach is expected to be significant. Nonetheless, The airline's operations and safety remain unaffected. This incident follows a wave of cyberattacks on airlines and retailers worldwide.
SPORTS
Football - Bayer Leverkusen have signed defender Jarell Quansah from Liverpool in a £35m deal. The 22-year-old centre-back has joined the German Bundesliga club on a five-year contract. Quansah was part of the England side that won the European Under-21 Championship by beating Germany in the final on Saturday.
Formula 1 - Lewis Hamilton's first six months at Ferrari have been mixed, he’s happy off-track but frustrated by underwhelming results on it. He’s sixth in the standings, consistently outpaced by teammate Charles Leclerc, and still adapting to Ferrari’s different engineering methods. While performance is improving slightly, qualifying struggles and bad luck have limited his race results. Ferrari and team boss Frédéric Vasseur face growing criticism as they fail to meet title expectations. Hamilton says he sees 2025 as a building year, with hopes pinned on the major regulation changes coming in 2026.
Cycling - Alexandre Beckius has cycled 984 km from Metz to Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, in just 3 days on a self-built bike, aiming to inspire young people to believe in themselves and embrace sport. He completed the journey with minimal gear, sleeping on roundabouts and riding without assistance. The challenge also fulfilled a childhood promise to his late father. Now, he plans to open a branch of his youth-focused sports association, the "Graoully Street Club", in Menton.
WEATHER
Despite a bright start of the afternoon Meteo France warns of risks of thunderstorm on the coast of the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments. Inland we’ll find our usual showery thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds as temperatures remain high. On the coast temperatures will reach 32 degrees in Cannes and Marseille, 33 in Nice and Toulon, and 35 degrees in Saint-Tropez as inland temperatures may reach 38 degrees.
Tonight, clear skies again with lows of 27 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, clear morning before thunderstorms check-in for their afternoon shift inland as the coasts will remain mostly clear with highs of 32 degrees and moderate winds.
More than 100 flights departing from and arriving at Nice airport today have been cancelled due to a nationwide strike by French air traffic controlle...
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Due to an ozone pollution spike, only vehicles with Crit’Air green, 1, or 2 stickers can drive in Marseille's Low Emissions Zone (ZFE) on Wednesday, t...
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Four departments in central France remain on a rare red heatwave alert today.
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This first summer holiday weekend will see very heavy traffic across the VINCI Autoroutes network, especially in the Rhône Valley, towards the Atlanti...
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The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, and his wife Laura Tenoudji have been questioned as part of an investigation into suspected misappropriation of ...
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