French and Riviera News Friday 5th September 2025

News

Chikungunya cases detected in the Alpes-Maritimes, Mosquito control underway - Nearly 40 cases of chikungunya have been confirmed in the Alpes-Maritimes, with most concentrated in the northern district of Antibes. The disease, transmitted by the tiger mosquito, has prompted the regional health agency (ARS) and local authorities to begin mosquito control operations across affected zones. Around 11,000 residents in Antibes received SMS alerts urging them to protect against bites and seek medical help if symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or rash appear.

France prepares for 10th of September protests - Ahead of planned nationwide protests on the 10th of September, France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has ordered prefects to prevent any attempts to block key infrastructures, including transport, energy sites, and schools. In a directive, published on Thursday the minister stressed the need for swift intervention and warned that any vandalism or disruption would not be tolerated.

Four Var forest areas closed today due to "very Severe" fire risk - Four forest areas in the Var department, the Estérel, the Centre-Var, the Maures, and the Corniche des Maures, are closed this Friday, 5th of September, due to a "very severe" fire risk (red alert), with access strictly forbidden. Two rest areas on the A57 motorway will also be closed. Other Var forests face a "moderate" fire risk (yellow alert), with caution advised. Daily updates and access rules are available on the prefecture’s website.

Monaco updates vehicle registration – Monaco has updated its vehicle registration with physical stamps being phased out for a fully digital system. Motorists are urged to renew online via the government website or MonGuichet. 

Young shark found dead on Six-Fours Beach - A 2.3-metre shark has been found dead on a beach in Six-Fours in the Var. The shark, likely a young fox shark, had a wound to its belly and was pulled from the water by the port’s security team on Thursday. The cause of death is unknown, but the fox shark is harmless to swimmers. These sharks usually live in coastal waters and don’t often come close to the shore.

TikTok reveals jaw-dropping bills from Côte d’Azur’s luxury hotspots - TikTok has shed light on some of the most extravagant restaurant bills from this summer on the Côte d’Azur, with viral posts showing tabs ranging from €10,000 to over €106,000. One popular post features a €106,000 bill from La Môme Plage in Cannes, which included an €18,000 bottle of Cristal champagne. Other standout bills include €54,458 at Verde Beach and €42,000 at Shellona, mostly spent on premium drinks and caviar.

Giorgio Armani: The Italian designer’s lasting love affair with Saint-Tropez – Finally, it was well known that Saint-Tropez and the Var region held a special place in the heart of Italian fashion legend Giorgio Armani, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 91. Armani had made Saint-Tropez his peaceful retreat away from the hustle of Milan.  In a 2020 interview with Madame Figaro, Armani spoke fondly of the unique charm of the area saying that the blend of countryside and sea was rare and powerful.  A chapel will open in Milan this weekend for public mourning, before the designer is laid to rest in a private ceremony.

Business

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order slashing tariffs on Japanese car imports from 27.5% to 15%, providing relief to major automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. The move formalises a trade agreement first announced in July, which imposes a 15% levy on nearly all Japanese exports to the US, including vehicles and pharmaceuticals.

France’s Socialist Party has said it would raise taxes on the super-rich and reject deep budget cuts if it takes power, as Prime Minister François Bayrou faces likely defeat in a confidence vote on Monday. With President Macron unlikely to call snap elections, a shift toward a centre-left government is possible if Bayrou falls.

Sport

Formula One - Oscar Piastri has insisted that the title fight is far from over despite opening up a 34-point lead over McLaren team-mate Lando Norris ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Cricket - South Africa have edged out England by five runs in a thrilling second Metro Bank One-Day International at Lord’s, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with a game to spare.

Weather

Mainly fine with moderate winds. Highs of 26 degrees in Monaco and Nice, 28 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 18 degrees with clear skies.

The outlook for the weekend. Sunny with a gentle breeze and highs of 27 degrees

Sunrise 06.58am              Sunset 07.58pm  

Beach weather

Sea temperature is 24 degrees, light breeze, with hazy sunshine. UV level is 6.

And Finally

Royal Mail in the UK has released a new stamp collection on September 11, 2025, featuring 10 distinct duck species and breeds from the UK, with five £2nd class and five £1st class stamps. The "quacking collection" aims to celebrate the diversity of wetland wildlife in the UK and raise awareness for less common duck species.

 

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