News
Weather alert in southern France – Orange-level heatwave warnings remain in effect today for the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments. While high temperatures are expected, storms could develop in the Haut-Var and the valleys of the Côte d’Azur. Violent storms have already hit the Tarn region on Wednesday, causing flooding, fallen trees, blocked roads, and power cuts. Several events were cancelled, and authorities warned locals to stay safe.
Aude wildfire investigation – Meanwhile, the massive wildfire in the Aude region of France, the worst in at least 50 years, may have been caused deliberately. Prosecutors say early assessments point to a criminal act, though further investigations are needed. The blaze claimed one life, left two people seriously injured, and destroyed 13,000 hectares in just 48 hours before being brought under control.
Foreign pensioners denied French citizenship over income - Foreign pensioners retiring to France are now being denied citizenship, not over language or integration, but for lacking French-sourced income. A local government office, or préfecture, in southwestern France confirmed it's rejecting applications where pensions come mainly from abroad, following a government memo in May. Though the memo doesn’t change the law, it’s being strictly applied in some regions. Other areas may follow. Some denied applicants have already appealed.
Éric Ciotti under investigation over alleged illegal voter data files - In Nice, prosecutors are investigating UDR MP Éric Ciotti over alleged illegal personal data files said to contain political and religious details of hundreds of citizens. Police have seized computer data from departmental offices. Ciotti denies any unlawful profiling.
Sustainable marina event returns to Monaco – Here in Monaco, the fifth Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous will be held at the Yacht Club on the 21st and 22nd of September. Organised by consultancy M3, the event will gather 50 startups and 20 marinas to present environmentally friendly solutions for marina management. Registration is open via info@m3monaco.com.
15 August celebrations in Toulon – The annual commemoration of the Provence landings being held tomorrow 15th August, will feature military aircraft displays, the Patrouille de France fly over and a fireworks display over Fort Saint-Louis. Large crowds are expected along the beaches, with traffic restrictions and extra public transport in place.
Macron couple’s night out – On holiday at Fort Brégançon, President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron made a surprise appearance at the closing night of the Ramatuelle Festival this week to watch French comedian Dany Boon. They were warmly welcomed by the audience and are now back to official duties, including talks with European leaders on Ukraine and attending the 81st anniversary of Bormes-les-Mimosas’ liberation this Sunday.
Assumption weekend in France means busy roads – Finally, drivers in France face heavy traffic this Assumption weekend, with major delays expected from today. France’s traffic monitor Bison Futé has issued red and amber alerts, warning of major congestion as holidaymakers return home from summer destinations. Saturday and Sunday are set to be the worst, especially in the southeast and around Île-de-France, with pressure on key routes like the A7, A8, and A9. Motorists are urged to avoid peak hours, plan ahead, and expect long delays on major motorways, especially near tourist hotspots and cross-border tunnels.
Sport News
Football - It was nearly the perfect start for new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank as Spurs led 2-0 with five minutes to go against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup. But the French champions staged a dramatic comeback, levelling at 2-2 before winning on penalties.
Tennis - World number one Jannik Sinner is through to the quarterfinals in Cincinnati after a straight-sets win over France’s Adrian Mannarino. The match was interrupted by rain, but Sinner held his nerve to win 6-4, 7-6.
Formula One – Finally off the track in Formula One, driver Lance Stroll has been recently seen holidaying with a model who was named as the “most beautiful woman in the world” in 2021. The couple were spotted in a leaked photo, sparking an online buzz amongst fans.
Business News
Air Canada will start suspending flights today after its flight attendants' union issued a 72-hour strike notice, with a full strike beginning Saturday. The dispute over pay and unpaid work may affect up to 130,000 daily travellers. The airline is working to reroute passengers and restore service quickly.
France’s Industry group AIPB has reported that school supplies prices fell 3-6% in July, contradicting consumer claims of a 2% rise. Sales increased 9%, with national brands dominating. To support low-income families, the French back-to-school allowance will be paid starting August 19th, ranging from €423 to €462 per child depending on age.
And - In the UK, 146 people have come forward with allegations against former Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed, who died in 2023. The police are investigating historic sexual assault claims. Harrods is offering compensation up to £385,000, with the scheme open until March 2026.
Weather
The Alpes-Maritimes and the Var remain on an orange heatwave alert from Météo-France. Temperatures are expected to reach 33°C (91°F) during the day, with nighttime lows around 26°C (79°F), making it difficult to cool down overnight. Sunrise - 6.33am Sunset – 8.35pm.
Weather elsewhere, in Bordeaux 37° sunny, Paris 32° sunny and London 28° sunny intervals.
Beach Weather
Expect a hot day under the orange heatwave alert, with highs around 33°C (91°F). Nighttime lows will stay warm near 26°C (79°F). Light to moderate sea breezes (10–20 km/h) will bring some relief. Mostly sunny with some afternoon clouds and a chance of isolated thunderstorms later. The sea temperature is a warm 24° ideal for swimming. High UV level of 8.
And Finally
Mussels are making a comeback in the River Seine in Paris, something unheard of when the river used to be basically an open sewer in the 1950s and ’60s. The thick-shelled freshwater mussel, which vanished decades ago, has returned, signalling that water quality is improving. Scientists say each mussel filters around 40 litters of water daily, acting as natural cleaners. As one expert joked, “They definitely weren’t around when the Seine was a giant toilet!” Today, 23 mussel species thrive in the Seine, double the number from 30 years ago, a hopeful sign for the river’s environmental system.
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Orange-level heatwave warnings remain in effect today for the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments. While high temperatures are expected, storms could ...
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