News
Oceans Summit in Nice - In response to growing frustration from local shopkeepers and restaurant owners the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture has revised the delivery time slots for businesses in the Nice port area during the upcoming Oceans Summit. Initially, during a May 2025 information meeting at the Port of Nice, authorities had announced that product deliveries would be allowed only between midnight and 5 a.m. from Thursday, June 5 to Saturday, June 14, 2025. This narrow window sparked anger among merchants who argued that such restricted hours would disrupt their operations during the summit. Following this backlash, the prefecture has softened its stance, adjusting the delivery schedule to better accommodate the needs of local businesses while still maintaining the necessary security and logistical arrangements for the international event.
The Oceans Summit, which gathers global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to address ocean preservation and climate change, is expected to bring increased security measures and traffic controls in the port area. These measures have caused concern among businesses about access and supply chain disruptions. With the revised delivery slots, the prefecture aims to balance operational needs of local commerce with the summit’s security protocols, easing tensions as Nice prepares to host this major international event.
Drone show – This evening Nice will host a festive evening featuring DJs Cassius and Agoria, followed by a spectacular drone show at 10:45 PM on the Quai des États-Unis. To accommodate the event, significant traffic restrictions will be in place from 6:30 PM to 2:00 AM.
Road closures will affect key areas around the Promenade des Anglais. Additional closures will impact Avenue Félix-Faure, Place Masséna, Avenue de Verdun, Avenue Max-Gallo, and parts of Avenue Jean-Jaurès. For safety, the Promenade des Anglais section between Avenue de Verdun and Avenue Max-Gallo will be closed to pedestrians from 10:15 PM to 11:00 PM. Public car parks will have modified access hours, and free public transportation with increased frequency is strongly recommended. Travelers and residents should plan accordingly to avoid disruptions during the evening festivities.
Monaco prepares to welcome President Emmanuel Macron for historic state visit this weekend – Meanwhile, Monaco is preparing to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron for a two-day state visit this weekend. This marks the first official visit by a French president to the Principality since François Mitterrand in 1984. Accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, President Macron will be hosted by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene on Monaco, underscoring the deep and enduring ties between France and Monaco. The visit will begin with a private audience between President Macron and Prince Albert II, followed by a state dinner at the Prince’s Palace on Saturday evening. This event symbolizes the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
On Sunday, the President and Prince Albert II will participate in the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (B.E.F.F.), visiting the Larvotto site of SeaWergie, a company specializing in marine technology and sustainable ocean solutions. Meanwhile, Princess Charlene and Brigitte Macron will attend a “Water Safety” event promoting the work of the Princess Charlene’s Foundation, which focuses on drowning prevention and life-saving education.
Following the Monaco events, President Macron and Prince Albert II will travel to Nice to participate in the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), reinforcing their shared commitment to ocean preservation and environmental action. This state visit highlights the importance of economic and environmental collaboration between France and Monaco, arriving at a pivotal time ahead of the international summit in Nice.
Heavy traffic on our region’s roads during Thursday evening rush hour – In other news, the Alpes-Maritimes region faced severe traffic disruptions on the A8 motorway on Thursday evening, due to multiple accidents and heavy congestion. Two accidents caused major delays: one involving six vehicles near exit 44 Antibes-Est towards Italy, and another near exit 52 Nice Saint-Isidore, close to the Las Planas tunnel. Both incidents forced traffic into a single lane, resulting in significant slowdowns.
Monaco Telecom - Monaco Telecom has introduced a new virtual assistant made in Monaco, in partnership with local startup Altores, which is part of MonacoTech. This AI tool gives customers 24/7 support in multiple languages through the company’s website and WhatsApp. The assistant answers common questions quickly on both computers and phones. Right now, it uses information from Monaco Telecom’s website but will soon handle more personal requests. If needed, customers can switch to a live chat with a customer service agent or ask for a callback. Customers can use the virtual assistant anytime on Monaco Telecom’s website or by messaging +377 377 10 000 on WhatsApp.
Celebrate International Yoga Day with Free Classes and Wellness Market at Casino Monte-Carlo – Finally, The Kate Powers Foundation is inviting the public to join a full day of free yoga and wellness activities on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, to celebrate International Yoga Day. The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on the beautiful terraces of the Casino Monte-Carlo. Open to all ages and skill levels, the outdoor event requires no reservation and offers the perfect opportunity to stretch, breathe, and connect in the heart of Monaco. Experienced instructors will lead all sessions in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. For more information contact info@katepowersfoundation.com. Join the community for a day of health, harmony, and connection this International Yoga Day!
Business
Tensions between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have erupted into a full-blown public feud, ending their once-friendly relationship. For over a week, Musk has openly criticized Trump’s signature spending bill, even lobbying against it. On Thursday, during a meeting with the German leader, Trump voiced his disappointment with Musk. Musk fired back with explosive claims on X (formerly Twitter), insinuating without evidence that Trump appears in unreleased files connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump retaliated, calling Musk “crazy,” claiming he was asked to leave the administration, and threatened to cut government contracts with Musk’s companies. The feud has hit Tesla hard, with shares plunging 14%, dipping below the $1 trillion valuation mark. Despite Musk stepping back from a threat to retire a key SpaceX spacecraft, the damage is done. The clash follows Musk’s recent exit from a government role focused on reducing excessive spending.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has said he will visit China after a “very good talk” with Chinese leader Xi Jinping over the phone. The call, the first between the two since Trump launched a trade war in February, lasted an hour and a half and focused mainly on trade, with Trump describing the outcome as “very positive for both countries.” Trump also said he had extended an invitation for the Chinese leader to visit the White House, though no official confirmation of either visit has yet been made. Chinese state media reported the call was at the White House’s request.
And - Iconic footwear maker Dr Martens has reported a dramatic drop in pre-tax profits, falling more than 90% to £8.8 million for the year ending March, down from £93 million the previous year. The Northamptonshire-based company, famous for its yellow-stitched boots worn by everyone from the Sex Pistols to the Dalai Lama, cited a “challenging market” as UK revenues took a hit. Founded in the 1940s in Germany and with UK production starting in 1959, Dr Martens has struggled in recent years, with declining sales worsened by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Sport
Football - Spain and France served up a Nations League semi-final classic, with Spain beating them 5-4 in a game that looked more like a penalty shootout. Spain led 4-0 and 5-1 before France launched a furious fightback, but it wasn’t enough. Spain now face Portugal in Sunday’s final and are chasing a third straight major trophy after winning the last Nations League and Euro 2024.
Meanwhile, EFL referee Bobby Madley has made his stance clear: he “hates” VAR, saying it strips the game of its raw emotion. Madley criticized the tech for dampening the natural highs and lows that make football special. While VAR has been a fixture in the Premier League since 2019, it’s not used in standard EFL matches, a difference Madley seems to appreciate.
Golf - Rory McIlroy struggled in his first tournament since a disappointing PGA Championship, carding a one-over-par 71 in Thursday’s opening round at the Canadian Open. Despite a slow start, McIlroy rallied with three consecutive birdies around the turn to briefly move under par. However, bogeys on the final two holes saw him finish ten shots behind the leader.
Athletics - Great Britain’s Seamus Derbyshire described his breakthrough run as “mind-boggling” after clocking 48.47 seconds in the 400m hurdles at a Prague meeting on Monday. The 25-year-old shattered his personal best by 0.8 seconds and secured qualification for the World Championships in Tokyo later this year. His time makes him the fifth-fastest British man ever over the distance.
Tennis - Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek has seen her reign at Roland Garros end in a thrilling semi-final defeat to world number one Aryna Sabalenka, halting her 26-match unbeaten streak on Paris clay. Often hailed as the 'Queen of Clay', the 24-year-old Pole had captured four of the past five titles in Paris. But this time, her aura of invincibility was tested and cracked, by a relentless Sabalenka, who broke Swiatek’s serve eight times and sealed the match with a dominant 22-minute third set.
Weather
Mostly sunny along the coast, with warm and humid conditions expected throughout the day. Highs of 25 degrees in Nice and Monaco 24 degrees in Cannes, 23 degrees in Saint-Tropez, with a gentle sea breeze and just a few passing clouds. This evening, mild and calm conditions, going down to 19 degrees.
The outlook for the weekend, Saturday, remaining much the same, mostly sunny and warm, with highs of 25 degrees. Sunday, feeling warmer with plenty of sunshine. Highs of 27°C degrees. inland and around Saint-Tropez.
Sunrise 05.49am
Sunset 09.09pm
Weather elsewhere
London 19° drizzle.
Paris 21° sunny intervals.
New York 30° sunny intervals.
Beach Weather
La Ciotat – Sea temperature 22°, air temperature 24° and the UV level is 8.
Nice – Sea temperature 22°, air temperature 23° and the UV level is 8.
Sunny and warm weather is expected this weekend in the Alpes-Maritimes. Friday is mostly clear but brings light rain in inland areas, with highs aroun...
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In response to growing frustration from local shopkeepers and restaurant owners the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture has revised the delivery time slots for...
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Philippe Mettoux has been appointed by H.S.H. Prince Albert II as Monaco’s new Minister of State, effective the 4th of July 2025....
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The French government plans to start intercepting small boats carrying asylum seekers even when already at sea. NGOs warn this move, agreed upon by Fr...
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Cloudy with scattered showers and sunny spells. A gentle to moderate breeze. Highs of 23 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez, 24 degrees in Nice, 22 de...
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