News
Two dead and two injured after landslide on RN 205 in Haute-Savoie - A landslide on the RN 205 near Chamonix in the Haute-Savoie has killed two passengers and seriously injured the driver and his wife. Traffic has reopened, but the area remains complicated. Rescue teams are on site. An investigation is currently ongoing.
France tightens citizenship rules for foreign pensioners - In other news, it's been reported that France now refuses citizenship to most pensioners who rely mainly on foreign pensions, following a change in the rule in May of this year. Applicants must now prove their income comes from France to qualify, with few exceptions. Many pensioners are appealing the decision.
US social security help event in Marseille – Meanwhile, the Paris Federal Benefits Unit will hold a two-day outreach event in Marseille on September the 3rd and 4th to assist Americans in southern France with Social Security matters. Appointments must be booked in advance via Picktime, and attendees should bring all required documents. Services include help with Social Security number cards, retirement benefits, and address changes. For more info, contact fbu.paris@ssa.gov.
Extreme wildfire risk: Forest areas closed in Var and Alpes-Maritimes – In other news, due to a “very severe” wildfire risk, four forest massifs in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes have been closed today, along with two motorway rest areas on the A57. The closed massifs include Corniche des Maures, the Maures, the Centre-Var, and the Estérel-Taneron. Access is strictly forbidden. Authorities urge caution as drought conditions persist despite cooler temperatures, with winds expected later in the day.
Road deaths double in Alpes-Maritimes: police step up checks – Road deaths in the Alpes-Maritimes have risen by 120%. In July, 11 deaths were reported compared to 5 in July of last year. In response, police have carried out a major checks on the A8 motorway near Mougins issuing fines for not wearing a seatbelt and using one’s phone at the wheel. Nationwide, 338 people died on the roads in July, up 23% year-on-year. More checks and safety campaigns are planned as authorities warn of a decline in responsible driving.
German pensioner caught with 22kg of cocaine on French Riviera – Meanwhile, a 76-year-old German man has been remanded in custody after French customs officers discovered 22kg of cocaine hidden in his car during a routine road check in our region. The drugs, with an estimated street value of €1.5 million, were found in a concealed compartment in his boot. His phone data revealed frequent travel across Italy, Spain, Germany, and southern France since late 2024.
Shopkeeper shot by homeless man near Nice port - A shopkeeper in Nice has been shot in the leg while trying to stop a theft in his store on Rue François-Guisol. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, the attacker, believed to be a homeless man known in the area, fled the scene and is still being sought by police. In response, Mayor Christian Estrosi announced an increased municipal police presence in the port district and called for tougher action against rising street violence.
Louis Sarkozy set to run for Mayor of Menton in 2026 - Louis Sarkozy, son of former president Nicolas Sarkozy, is expected to announce his candidacy for Menton’s 2026 municipal elections. He recently registered a campaign finance group and bought a property in the town, signalling serious intent. Menton’s current right-wing mayor faces legal troubles, while the National Rally remains a strong contender.
French Tax Correction Website Now Open
You can correct mistakes on your 2025 French income tax return online without penalties until December 3 via impots.gouv.fr. Updates to income, credits, or personal info are allowed, but new filings and property tax changes require contacting your local tax office.
Rise in French Mountain Rescue Calls Due to ‘Instagram Tourism’
French mountain rescue teams warn of more callouts as inexperienced hikers attempt difficult trails seen on social media. Many underestimate risks, lack proper gear, and cause emergencies. Authorities urge hikers to prepare carefully, carry essentials, and respect nature.
France to Publish Official Survival Guide This Autumn
France will release a 30-page survival guide this fall to help citizens prepare for emergencies like accidents, attacks, or extreme weather. The “Tous résilients” guide will be online before National Resilience Day on October 13 and focuses on preparation, protection, and engagement.
Monaco to release tourism sustainability progress report in 2025 - Monaco will publish a progress report by the end of 2025 on its ambitious plan to make tourism more sustainable by 2030. The principality has already introduced initiatives like carbon footprint tools for visitors and stricter environmental rules for cruise ships starting in 2026. With 80% of hotel rooms environmentally certified and growing demand for green experiences, Monaco is working to balance luxury tourism with environmental responsibility.
Giant superyacht Kismet draws attention in Nice port – Finally, the 122-metre-long superyacht Kismet has been turning heads at Nice’s Port since docking on the 4th of August. Ranked as the 33rd largest yacht in the world, the luxury vessel has captured the interest of locals and tourists alike. Owned by billionaire Shahid Khan, whose net worth was estimated at $8.2 billion in 2020, the Kismet boasts state-of-the-art amenities.
Business
Passengers have sued Delta and United Airlines after paying extra for window seats only to be seated next to blank walls. The lawsuits claim the airlines don’t disclose that some “window” seats lack windows due to aircraft design. Over a million customers on each airline are affected, seeking refunds and damages.
UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, driven by higher hotel prices during Oasis concerts, soaring airfares, and rising energy and food costs. Employer tax hikes also contributed. Inflation is expected to peak soon before easing. The Bank of England cut rates to 4% but may hold steady due to weak growth.
And - Microsoft’s head of AI has warned that some users are mistaking chatbots like ChatGPT for conscious beings, leading to harmful delusions. One man’s belief in AI-generated advice contributed to a mental health crisis. Experts urge users to stay grounded and caution against treating AI as conscious, highlighting growing mental health risks.
Sport
Tennis - Heavy rain has forced almost all US Open qualifying matches to be cancelled with only 14 of 64 second-round games starting before play was stopped on Wednesday. The mixed doubles semis and final remain unaffected, as they are played under a roof. British Jack Draper and partner Jessica Pegula are among the contenders.
Rugby - England keep the same strong team to face the USA in Friday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup opener. Key players return, and injured stars may feature later. Coach Mitchell highlights experience and teamwork.
Athletics - Keely Hodgkinson, recently back from injury, won her second Diamond League race in five days, setting a meeting record. Despite injury earlier this year, she’s a top favourite for the World Championships and aims to keep improving.
Weather
Unsettled with thunderstorms forecast. Sunny spells and cloudy patches with moderate to strong winds expected. Highs of 28 degrees in Nice and Monaco, 31 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 21 degrees.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend. Meteo France says, mainly fine and sunny with highs of 28 degrees, rain is expected overnight on Sunday and heading into Monday.
Sunrise 06.41am Sunset 08.24pm
Beach weather
Expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 29 degrees Celsius. The sea is warm and inviting at about 24 to 25 degrees Celsius. Winds are light to moderate along the coast increasing as the day continues. UV index will peak at a very high level of 8 to 9 between late morning and early afternoon, so make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
And Finally
Gen Z has declared leggings “cringe” and is swapping them for baggy, oversized workout pants paired with tight tops. Leggings sales dropped significantly this year, while searches for baggy gym outfits soared. Though some fitness experts say baggy pants aren’t practical for workouts, the trend is booming, with Gen Z favouring comfort, vintage style, and sustainable fashion.
A mother and her two daughters have narrowly escaped after masked attackers set fire to their apartment early today in Grasse....
Read More
A landslide on the RN 205 near Chamonix in the Haute-Savoie has killed two passengers and seriously injured the driver. Traffic has reopened but the a...
Read More
Due to a yellow storm alert, all parks, gardens, and the coastal path are closed today in Nice.
Read More
French MP Éric Ciotti is set to stand trial on the 27th of March 2026 over allegations linked to defamation, following a complaint made by Christian E...
Read More
A power outage has left shops and homes without electricity for about 30 minutes today in Nice’s Libération district....
Read More
