News
Southern half of France suffocates under heatwave – A heatwave that began on Friday has spread across the southern half of France. Over 40 departments are now under an orange-level heatwave alert. The affected area stretches from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques to the Jura, and from the Charente-Maritime to the Alpes-Maritimes. Temperatures are expected to frequently reach 40°C (104°F) and above in places such as the Hérault, the Var and southern parts of the Ardèche and the Drôme. This is the second major heatwave in France this year, after the episode from June 19th to July 4th, and it's the 51st recorded since 1947. Météo-France warns of the increased fire risk; on Sunday the Vaucluse region was placed under "very high" wildfire risk along with 10 other departments around the Mediterranean region and nearby inland areas. The South of Corsica (Corse-du-Sud) is the only region in the south to remain on a yellow alert. The peak of the heatwave is expected between today, Monday 11th August and Tuesday 12th August, and it could last until the end of next week. Météo-France notes an acceleration in the frequency of heatwaves linked to climate change. In the past 16 years, with only two summers have been free of such heat events.
Ozone pollution alert level 1 maintained in Marseille and the Bouches-du-Rhône – Meanwhile, due to the ongoing heatwave conditions and local emissions, a Level 1 ozone pollution alert remains active in the Bouches-du-Rhône region and Marseille. Authorities have implemented emergency measures to reduce pollutant emissions, including lowered speed limits and restrictions in place for motorists in the city centre. Residents are advised to limit intense physical activity, reduce vehicle use by carpooling or public transport, and avoid outdoor exposure during peak traffic hours. The alert aims to protect public health and improve air quality amid persistent pollution.
Cannes is set to introduce quotas on Airbnb rentals in two key areas – In other news, the city of Cannes is set to introduce quotas on Airbnb rentals in two key areas becoming one of the first French cities to do so under new legislation. Mayor David Lisnard confirmed the limits will apply to La Banane, including Boulevard de la Croisette, and Le Suquet, the historic quarter, with quotas coming into force between summer and autumn 2026. The move follows France’s Le Meur law from November 2024, which allows local councils to restrict short-term rentals in high-demand housing areas. Cannes already bans lockboxes, limits rentals to 120 days per year, and prohibits buildings made up entirely of Airbnb properties.
Plages Electros in Cannes- Meanwhile, during Saturday night’s Plages Électros music festival in Cannes, police have cracked down on drug use and theft. A coordinated security effort involving local and national police led to the issuing of 33 on-the-spot fines for drug consumption, including cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy. Three people were detained for possession of larger quantities, including up to 100 ecstasy pills. Authorities also tackled a wave of necklace thefts, with two suspects arrested following reports of stolen jewellery in the crowd.
Scare at Jas des Robert flea market in the Var - A Sunday morning scare at the Jas des Roberts flea market in Cogolin in the Var has ended peacefully after a suspicious object, initially feared to be an unexploded artillery shell, was discovered on-site. The Mayor Christiane Lardat announced the find and confirmed that police had quickly set up a 50-meter security perimeter. Despite the alarm, the market remained open, operating normally outside the secured area. A bomb disposal unit from Toulon was dispatched, but upon inspection, the object turned out to be a harmless clock counterweight, not an explosive device. The Jas des Roberts market, popular for second-hand goods, is held every Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A supermarket in Nice shames shoplifters - Fed up with theft, a small supermarket in Nice city centre has taken an unusual and humorous approach to deter shoplifters. At the Carrefour Express on Rue Lamartine, the store managers have begun displaying AI-generated images of fake shoplifters in exaggerated costumes, with cheeky captions encouraging the real culprits to come clean. The store manager, who chose humour over confrontation in tackling petty theft has claimed that since posting the pictures, someone did come back to pay for their beer.
Car-Spotting in Monaco – The “hunt” for luxury cars and the race for an online buzz has lead to crowds and dangerous situations on the roads on the Principality. Police and private security are attempting to contain this growing phenomenon. Though this automotive tourism isn’t new, social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube have greatly amplified it. Some young people, chasing likes, dangerously step onto the roads for the best shots. To protect guests some venues have hired private security and installed signage to discourage filming clients and to regulate pedestrian traffic near luxury cars. The passion for pure car enthusiasm risks being overshadowed by social media-fuelled chaos.
Meanwhile, the SBM has acted to stop violations of its clients’ privacy, who were being filmed without their knowledge on social media. In early July, several signs appeared around Monte-Carlo’s Casino Square and Hôtel de Paris, reading: "Please do not film or photograph hotel and casino guests. Offenders face sanctions." The move, again, is due to a surge in videos on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube invading the privacy of guests, mostly created by a minority of buzz-hungry influencers.
Local village is launching a trendy new outdoor attraction - The village of Gréolières, in the Alpes-Maritimes, about an hour from Nice, has just begun construction on a year-round rail toboggan ride, a popular outdoor activity growing in popularity across France. The "four-season" sledding track will be accessible in both summer and winter. The project, launched on August 7th, is expected to open by late 2025. The track will span between 900 meters and 1.2 kilometres, allowing solo or tandem rides at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The €3 million investment is part of the village’s effort to diversify its family-friendly activities, especially as Gréolières recently dropped the “les-Neiges” from its name, acknowledging a lack of consistent snowfall. The project had faced five years of delays due to financial and environmental concerns.
Hidden Restaurant Offers the Best View in the City - The La Pérouse Hotel in Nice has opened a pop-up rooftop restaurant for the summer season and it’s proving to be a big hit amongst customers. Since June 28th, 2025, the rooftop of the four-star hotel, perched on the Rauba Capeu headland, has been transformed into an exclusive dining spot. Operating just two evenings per week, the restaurant, called La Vista, offers a single set menu to fewer than ten guests per night. With breathtaking views over the Promenade des Anglais, this unique experience has captured the hearts of locals and demand is so high that it’s fully booked through the end of summer.
Business
According to the latest reports this Monday morning Nvidia and AMD have agreed to pay the US government 15% of their semiconductor sales in China. This deal helps secure export licences to China, the world’s second-largest economy. These chips are used in AI applications and were previously restricted due to US security concerns. Nvidia said it hopes export controls will allow the US to remain competitive globally. Meanwhile, US firms like Apple and Micron continue major domestic investment plans amid ongoing trade policy shifts.
France plans to raise €4.2 billion from 2026 by removing two public holidays, the Monday after Easter and the 8th of May. The unpopular measure, defended by Prime Minister François Bayrou, aims to boost production and improve public finances. Workers won’t receive extra pay for the extra days, but private employers will pay a contribution to the state budget. Unions have until 1st of September to decide if they want to negotiate. Details on implementation are still being finalised.
And - A rare Martian meteorite weighing 24.7kg, discovered in Niger, has sold at Sotheby’s auction in New York for $4.3 million (£3.2 million). Both the buyer and seller remain anonymous. Niger’s government has raised concerns about the legality of the meteorite’s export.
Sport
Football - Crystal Palace have kicked off the new season in style, winning the Community Shield at Wembley by beating Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. This is Palace’s second major trophy in three months, having won the FA Cup earlier this year. They are also the first club in 50 years to win the Community Shield on their debut, since Derby County in 1975.
And- AS Monaco kicked off their pre-season in style on Friday night, hosting Italian giants Inter Milan at the Stade Louis II. In a lively match, both sides gave fans a taste of what's to come this season. Monaco showed sharp form early on, pressing high and creating chances, but Inter’s experience shone in the second half. The game ended in a 2-1 win for Inter with a late goal.
Tennis - British number two Cameron Norrie has been knocked out of the Cincinnati Open. The 32nd struggled in the heat as temperatures passed 30°C. This follows Norrie’s earlier second-round exit at the Canadian Open and marks his third loss in five matches since Wimbledon, where his run ended against world number two Carlos Alcaraz.
Weather
An orange heatwave warning is in place for our region, both in the Var and the Alpes Maritimes. Highs of 28 degrees in Nice to start with, reaching 34 degrees by this afternoon. Saint‑Tropez, hazy sunshine with temperatures reaching around 30 degrees. Easing slightly to 25–26 °C in the evening, accompanied by a light southerly breeze. Monaco enjoys clear skies and gentle breezes from the south, with temperatures feeling a comfortable 25–27 °C during the day and settling into the low 20s overnight. Across the region, a hot, sun‑dominated day with a little relief at night, stay hydrated, seek shade, and enjoy with care.
Sunrise 06.30am
Sunset 08.39pm
Weather elsewhere
London 29° sunny, Paris 32° sunny, Rome 38° sunny.
Beach weather
Across the region, expect plenty of sunshine with temperatures reaching between 30 and 34 degrees Celsius. The sea is warm, averaging around 24 to 25 degrees. In Cannes, the sea temperature is 25 degrees, while the air warms up to highs of 27 degrees. Over in Menton, the sea is just a touch cooler at 24 degrees, with air temperatures reaching up to 26 degrees. UV levels are high today, at seven, so make sure you wear sunscreen, a hat, and take breaks in the shade, especially during the midday sun.
A heatwave that began on Friday has spread across the southern half of France. Over 40 departments are now under orange-level heatwave alert. The affe...
Read More
An orange heatwave warning is in place for our region both in the Var and the Alpes Maritimes. Highs of 28 degrees in Nice to start with reaching 34 d...
Read More
The Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments will be under a yellow heatwave alert on Staurday the 9th of August, with nighttime temperatures around 20°C o...
Read More
Two women in their twenties have been seriously injured in a scooter accident in the early hours of the Friday morning, August 8th. The accident occur...
Read More
A 71-year-old man has died after drowning off the coast of La Raguette beach in Mandelieu-la-Napoule on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred at a...
Read More
