News
May Day protests in France - Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Paris on May 1st for International Workers’ Day, voicing growing frustration over inequality, pensions, and wage stagnation. Estimates of the turnout ranged from 32,000, according to the Interior Ministry, to 100,000, per union figures, nearly double the numbers seen in 2024. Marching from Place d’Italie to Place de la Nation, demonstrators carried signs calling for higher wages and action against rising living costs. Protests also reflected broader global anxieties, with slogans warning of the “Trumpification of the world” and signs of solidarity with Palestine. Despite a lack of full union unity, groups like the CGT, FSU, and Solidaires led the rallies, while others, like the CFDT and UNSA, held separate discussions. Notably, far left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon joined the march, calling for retirement at 60 and the defense of France’s social model.
Record breaking heat in Paris - Meanwhile, the French capital experienced record-breaking heat on May Day, with temperatures soaring to 29.4°C the highest ever recorded for this date since records began in 1873, according to Météo France. With temperatures hovering around 30°C, many Parisians flocked to the banks of the Seine and green spaces, seeking relief from the intense heat. The heatwave, though, is expected to end by the weekend, with temperatures set to fall to more seasonal levels.
Cloud of dust from Sahara across the PACA region - Locally, you may want to wait before you head out to wash your car this weekend, as a cloud of dust from the Sahara is currently sweeping through the Var and Alpes-Maritimes regions, creating hazy skies and deteriorating air quality. Since April 30th, the early heatwave across France has been accompanied in our region by dust and sand particles from the Sahara, causing allergy flare-ups for many, with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and scratchy throats. The dust cloud is expected to linger over the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region until at least Sunday afternoon, before being replaced by rain and thunderstorms from the northeast, which will bring a drop in temperatures early next week. This isn’t the first time desert dust has made its way to France — in March 2024, the Côte d'Azur was bathed in a striking yellowish sky.
Pays des Paillons to limit water use - Around 5,000 residents in the Pays des Paillons region have been urged to limit water use to essential needs due to a major power outage that occurred overnight on May 1st. The outage affected the main drinking water pump, which supplies 11 municipalities in the area. The pump, which is capable of drawing water from 240 meters underground, failed during the night, and while a backup pump is in place, it can only supply 250 cubic meters of water per day — a fraction of the usual demand. The affected municipalities include: Berre-les-Alpes, Contes, Bendejun, Blausasc, Cantaron, Coaraze, L'Escarène, Lucéram, Peille, Peillon, and Touët-de-l'Escarène. Mayor Maurice Lavagna is urging residents to limit their water usage to cooking and hygiene only, until the main pump is restored by Saturday at noon. He’s warning against activities like watering gardens or filling swimming pools, which could drain the limited supply.
Beaches remain closed - The beaches of Saint-Laurent-du-Var will remain closed to swimming and boating, despite plans for reopening on May 1st, 2025. The closure, which has been in effect since July 2024 for swimming and January 2025 for boating, is due to ongoing pollution from the local wastewater treatment plant. Water tests have shown poor water quality, and the plant continues to discharge polluted water into the Mediterranean. Cousteau, Landsberg, Goélands, and Flots Bleus beaches, as well as Var Mer and AGASC water sports centers, remain off-limits to the public. The local authorities have confirmed that the closure remains in place until further notice, and any changes will depend on improvements in water quality.
Football match in Nice this evening - Large crowds are expected at the Allianz Riviera this Friday, May 2, as OGC Nice takes on Stade de Reims in a pivotal Ligue 1 match. After a stunning victory against Paris Saint-Germain, Nice are looking to continue their push for a spot on the podium. Kick-off is set for 8:45 PM, and with thousands of fans expected, traffic around the stadium will likely be heavy. Nice supporters are eager to show their backing for the team in this critical match for their European ambitions.
Business
China’s Ministry of Commerce has said that it is assessing the possibility of tariff negotiations with the United States, a potential breakthrough in ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. The announcement comes amid tariffs as high as 245% on some Chinese exports to the U.S., which have fuelled fears of economic slowdown. While no formal negotiations have been confirmed, signs suggest both sides may be preparing to re-engage, though the timing and terms remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, Apple has announced it is relocating much of its production for the U.S. market out of China, in response to escalating U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump’s trade policy. According to CEO Tim Cook, most iPhones for U.S. buyers will now be made in India, while Vietnam will become a key hub for assembling iPads and Apple Watches. The move comes as Apple warns that U.S. import taxes could add around $900 million to its costs this quarter — despite some electronics being exempt from the latest tariffs. The Trump administration has long pushed for Apple to move manufacturing to the U.S., but for now, the tech giant is diversifying its supply chain across Asia.
Sport
Football - Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have both taken a major step towards the Europa League final with convincing semi-final first-leg wins on Thursday night. United delivered a commanding 3-0 away victory over Athletic Bilbao. Tottenham, meanwhile, secured a 3-1 win at home against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. If both clubs progress, it could also lead to six English teams qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
In the Premier League this evening Manchester City take on Wolverhampton Wanderers kick-off is at 9 o’clock French time. Tomorrow, your Saturday schedule will see Aston Villa host Fulham in the early kick-off at 1:30pm. At 4pm, it’s a busy one: Everton face Ipswich Town and Leicester City take on Southampton. Then in the evening slot, Arsenal welcome AFC Bournemouth, kicking off at 6:30pm.
And on Sunday – plenty of action across the board: Three matches kicking off at 3pm: Brentford vs Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion vs Newcastle United and West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur. And finally, the big one at 5:30pm – Chelsea host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Formula One - The Formula 1 spotlight turns to the United States this weekend for the Miami Grand Prix. As the action heads to Florida, the big talking point at McLaren is the growing intra-team rivalry. Oscar Piastri leads the drivers' standings by 10 points after winning in Saudi Arabia — his third victory in the opening five races. Meanwhile, teammate Lando Norris has yet to find his rhythm in qualifying but remains unfazed. Speaking ahead of the Miami GP, Norris said: "Not worried at all. He's doing a good job and he deserves it, nothing more than that."
Meanwhile, the Monaco E-Prix returns this weekend, taking place on Saturday and Sunday with races on both days. The iconic street circuit will host the latest round of the Formula E World Championship, bringing all-electric racing back to the glamour of Monte Carlo.
Tennis - British number one Jack Draper is through to the semi-finals of the Madrid Open, after a dominant 6-0, 6-4 win over Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi. At just 23 years old, Draper continues his breakout season, having already claimed the Indian Wells title in March. And with this latest win, he’s set to break into the world’s top five for the first time in his career—leapfrogging Novak Djokovic in the rankings on Monday.
Weather
Sunny with light winds and highs of 23 degrees in Monaco, 22 degrees in Nice, 24 degrees in Cannes, 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 13 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for the weekend. Remaining fine and sunny with light winds and highs of 25 degrees.
Sunrise 06.21am
Sunset 08.24pm
Weather elsewhere
Bordeaux 26° sunny.
Liverpool 16° sunny.
Milan 29° sunny.
Beach weather
Saint-Tropez – Sea temperature 18°, air temperature 23° some light cloud. UV level 7.
Nice – Sea temperature 18°, air temperature 22° mainly fine, UV level 7.
Photo - Every day at noon, a cannon shot echoes from Castle Hill (Colline du Château) in Nice—a tradition dating back to 1861, originally started to remind locals it was time for lunch. The panoramic views from this historic site are just as timeless and well worth a visit.
Another power outage has hit three towns on Friday morning, the 30th of May, affecting 120 homes in the Alpes-Maritimes....
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France’s health minister has announced that France will introduce a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor public areas commonly visited by children, st...
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The Var department has experienced its first "tropical night" of the season, with temperatures not dropping below 25°C at 3 am, particularly in Hyères...
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The Société des Bains de Mer (S.B.M.) has announced solid financial results for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, ending March 31, 2025, with revenue rising ...
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France is set to experience record-breaking heat over the Ascension Day holiday, with tomorrow, Friday, May 30th, expected to be the hottest day of th...
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