News
France to ban smoking in outdoor public areas visited by children - France’s health minister has announced that France will introduce a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor public areas commonly visited by children, starting July 1st. The ban will cover beaches, parks, public gardens, school entrances, bus stops, and sports venues. Outdoor terraces of cafes and bars will be exempt from the new rules. Violations will carry a €135 fine. Smoking rates in France have declined significantly, with 23.1% of the population smoking daily, the lowest level ever recorded. Still, tobacco remains a major health issue, contributing to over 75,000 deaths annually. Support for tougher anti-smoking measures is high, with a recent survey from La Ligue Contre le Cancer finding nearly 80% of French people in favour of banning smoking in outdoor public spaces like parks, beaches, and woodlands.
Low emission zones - France's National Assembly has voted to abolish low-emission zones (ZFEs), a flagship environmental policy introduced during President Emmanuel Macron’s first term to tackle urban pollution. The measure passed by a vote of 98 to 51, with support from opposition MPs on the right and far right and a small number from Macron’s own party. The zones, which restricted older, high-emission vehicles from entering city centres, have been gradually rolled out across major French cities since 2019. Critics argued that ZFEs disproportionately impacted lower-income drivers who cannot afford newer, cleaner vehicles. The vote reflects growing political tension over the social costs of green policies, even as France continues to wrestle with air pollution and climate commitments. The government has not yet confirmed whether it will seek to overturn or modify the Assembly’s decision.
No trains between Nice and Monaco - Travellers in the Alpes-Maritimes region should plan ahead, as no trains will run between Nice and Monaco tomorrow, Saturday, May 31st, 2025. The SNCF has announced a full 24-hour suspension of service on the line due to work being carried out on the tracks. The disruption is part of efforts to finalize the connection of the Nice-Ville Regional Technical Centre to the national rail network. Another line in the region, between Nice and Drap, will also face disruptions on the same day. Passengers are advised to seek alternative transportation and check SNCF updates for further information on service resumption.
Strike action planned by tram and bus drivers in Nice - Meanwhile, as Nice prepares to host the UN Ocean Summit in June, strike action has been called by CGT union members affecting the Lignes d’Azur bus and tram network. The strike is planned for Thursday, June 5, 2025 just days before the summit, scheduled from June 9th to 13th on the Port of Nice. While public transport will be free on June 6th, 7th, and 8th, service on June 5th could be significantly reduced or suspended. Lignes d’Azur has promised to provide more details 48 hours before the strike. This action is part of a wider national mobilization by the CGT, which is demanding an immediate increase in pensions, a return of the legal retirement age to 60, and reforms to social security financing. Commuters are advised to stay updated for the latest service information and plan alternative travel on the strike day.
New mini-cruise route - Corsica Ferries has launched a new mini-cruise route from Toulon to Menorca, offering budget-friendly getaways. The service, which began in May, includes around ten weekend sailings this year, providing passengers with two nights at sea and a full day to explore the island of Menorca. Departing Friday evenings aboard the Mega Express, the cruise features basic amenities, restaurants, a bar, children’s play area, souvenir shop, and a small pool, but avoids the flashy entertainment typical of traditional cruises. The return trip departs Sunday evening, giving travellers a short but scenic escape. Prices start at around €150 for two people without a vehicle, making it accessible to younger travellers or those seeking a spontaneous adventure. Cabins are optional.
SBM plans major new Monte-Carlo complex by 2031/2032 – The Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) is preparing a large-scale real estate development project in Monte-Carlo, centered around the thermal baths and expanding towards the Avenue de Monte-Carlo. The ambitious "Terrasses" project aims to optimize a valuable land reserve below the avenue and promises a mix of shops, luxury hotel residences, and modern wellness facilities. The project, designed by Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron alongside Monegasque architect Patrick Raymond, will include a new shopping avenue mirroring the existing one, luxury residences with stunning port views, and a completely rebuilt Thermes Marins building. The revamped wellness centre will feature a large swimming pool, sports areas, and treatment facilities, supporting SBM’s plan to attract more health and fitness tourists year-round.
SBM expects to begin construction in 2027, after the Edmond de Rothschild bank relocates, with completion targeted for 2031 or 2032. Stéphane Valeri, SBM’s Deputy Chairman, highlighted the complexity of real estate development in Monaco but emphasized the growth potential, as rental revenues are forecast to reach nearly €150 million in 2024/2025, boosted by new commercial spaces like those at the Café de Paris. This project reflects SBM’s strategic focus on expanding its rental sector and wellness offerings to drive future growth in the Principality.
Warm weather - Finally, the Alpes-Maritimes region, including the Côte d'Azur, is set to enjoy a warm and sunny Ascension weekend. Nice will see pleasant temperatures, ranging between 17 and 25°C for the weekend. The city will avoid the extreme heat hitting some southern French cities like Marseille. However, temperatures are expected to climb inland, with parts of the Var region, including Puget-Théniers, potentially exceeding 30°C by today. Sunshine and warm weather are expected to stay as the region moves into early June, offering a welcome change from recent unsettled conditions.
Business
A federal appeals court has temporarily suspended a lower court ruling which means that for now, U.S. President Donald Trump can continue collecting import tariffs. The decision comes just a day after the U.S. Court of International Trade declared that Trump had overstepped his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs. The ruling sparked criticism from Trump officials. The case now moves towards a full hearing, which could have lasting implications for presidential authority on trade.
And – According to UK media, Pizza Express, British Airways, and Lidl are among over 500 employers publicly named for failing to pay some employees the minimum wage, according to a new report from the Department for Business and Trade. The investigation revealed that nearly 60,000 workers were short-changed over several years, with underpayments totalling millions of pounds. The UK government said the naming-and-shaming initiative aims to deter future breaches and promote fair pay across all sectors.
Sport
Tennis - Jack Draper has secured a place in the French Open third round and etched his name into British tennis history with a dramatic four-set win over French veteran Gael Monfils. The 23-year-old fifth seed triumphed 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a late-night epic. Draper's victory means three British men have reached the third round at Roland Garros for the first time since 1968.
Football - Chelsea are on the verge of signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap after activating the £30 million release clause in his contract. The 22-year-old has attracted strong interest from several Premier League sides, including Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest. However, Chelsea have moved swiftly to secure the deal following Ipswich's relegation.
Formula One - Red Bull's Max Verstappen has admitted that his 2025 title challenge "doesn't really feel like a fight" as McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris continue to lead the championship race. The four-time world champion sits 25 points behind leader Piastri after seven races.
Weather
Mainly fine and sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 25 degrees in Monaco and Nice, 24 degrees in Saint Tropez. This evening going down to 15 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 05.52am
Sunset 09.03pm
Weather elsewhere
Madrid 34° sunny.
Glasgow 18° light rain.
Bordeaux 35° sunny.
Beach weather
Nice – Sea temperature 20°, air temperature 25°.Sunny. UV Level 8.
Saint Tropez - Sea temperature 17°, air temperature 24°. Sunny. UV Level 8.
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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