News
France to experience record-breaking heat - France is set to experience record-breaking heat over the Ascension Day holiday, with tomorrow, Friday, May 30th, expected to be the hottest day of the four-day weekend. Temperatures are expected to climb to 30–35°C in the southwest, with unprecedented levels for May in Toulouse. In parts of northern France, temperatures could even reach 30°C, well above seasonal averages. Corsica is also expected to feel the heat, with a heatwave covering much of the country. However, make the most of it as according to Météo France the summer-like weather won’t last. Thunderstorms and cooler air are expected, with the weather deteriorating on Sunday, as instability spreads from the southwest to the northeast. The sharp rise in temperatures, followed by sudden cooling, highlights the increasing extremes brought on by climate change.
Mountaineering world mourns loss of Pierre Montiglio - In local news, the mountaineering world is mourning the loss of Pierre Montiglio, a well-known and much-loved guide from Nice, who died in a tragic climbing accident on Tuesday in southern Corsica. Known simply as "Pierrot", 61-year-old Montiglio, was climbing with his wife in the Calanques de Serriera when he fell into the water. Rescue teams, including a High Mountain Gendarmerie unit, responded quickly, but he could not be saved. His wife, in shock, was airlifted from the site. Montiglio was a central figure at Alticoop, a long-standing outdoor equipment shop in Nice. He joined the adventure in the mid-1980s and helped shape it into a hub for climbers and hikers in the region. A guide since 1989, he had opened new routes across the Mercantour and beyond and was also involved in the rediscovery and equipping of canyons in the region over 20 years ago. Charismatic and deeply respected, “Pierrot” was known for his wisdom, warmth, and strong presence. Married and a father of two, he leaves behind a lasting legacy in the mountains he loved. To his family and friends, the mountain community extends its deepest condolences.
State of natural disaster declared following storms in the Var region – In other news, following severe storms that caused three deaths and widespread damage in Le Lavandou and surrounding areas, a state of natural disaster has been officially declared for several municipalities in the Var region. The storms on May 20 brought heavy floods and mudslides, damaging homes, businesses and roads. A commission quickly approved the disaster status on Wednesday to help victims receive compensation for their losses. Affected towns include Le Lavandou, where key facilities like the access bridge to Cavalière, wastewater treatment plant, and many homes were severely damaged. In Vidauban, dozens of residents were registered for aid, with municipal buildings and about 70 roads impacted. Other hard-hit areas include La Môle, affected by flooding and mudslides, damaging businesses and apartments near the Golfe de Saint-Tropez Airport, and Rayol-Canadel, where homes near the Pramousquier stream suffered serious flooding.
Municipalities like Le Luc, La Garde-Freinet, and Bormes-les-Mimosas also reported damages to schools, roads, and private properties. In Bormes-les-Mimosas, around fifty homes were affected, with ongoing efforts to ensure safety and repair infrastructure. The affected towns are now preparing to inform residents about how to claim compensation. Those impacted have 30 days to report damages to their insurers, provided their property is insured and the damage is linked to the disaster. Despite the damage, local officials confirm that water quality remains safe and tourism can continue as usual. The declaration aims to speed up recovery and support for the communities hardest hit by the storm.
Nice prepares for the UN Ocean Conference - Travel on the Lignes d’Azur bus and tram network will be free of charge from June 6th to the 8th, just before the United Nations Ocean Summit. Mayor and Metropolitan President Christian Estrosi announced this move to make travel easier for everyone and reduce the event’s carbon footprint, as well as to help people fully enjoy the upcoming festivities. The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), hosted in Nice, will bring together participants and visitors from around the world to focus on ocean conservation. On Friday, June 6th, a big celebration is planned with DJ sets and a drone show along the Quai des Etats-Unis and Promenade des Anglais. To help people get around safely, tram services will be increased in frequency. Christian Estrosi encourages everyone to use public transport, especially the tramway network, which will run as usual during the event.
Official state visit - Meanwhile, on June 7th and 8th, 2025, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco will welcome French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, for an official state visit. The visit celebrates the long friendship between France and Monaco. On Saturday evening, the leaders will meet privately before attending a State Dinner at the Prince's Palace. On Sunday, the visit continues with events linked to the Blue Economy and Finance Forum. President Macron will visit a local thalassotherapy company called SeaWergie. Meanwhile, Princess Charlene and Mrs. Macron will attend a "Water Safety" event focused on preventing drowning, supported by the Princess Charlene Foundation. The two-day forum will end with a luncheon hosted by Prince Albert II and President Macron, attended by world leaders and royal representatives. After the visit, President Macron and Prince Albert will travel to Nice for the United Nations Ocean Conference. More details about the visit will be shared soon.
Business
A US federal court has blocked President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. The Court of International Trade has ruled that the emergency powers used by the Trump administration did not give the president authority to impose tariffs on nearly every country. The ruling also halts separate levies placed on China, Mexico, and Canada. The case was brought by five small businesses that rely on imported goods. The court sided with them, saying the law had been overused and stretched beyond its limits. In response, the Trump administration immediately appealed, stating: "It is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency." The outcome of the appeal could have a major impact on trade policy and future presidential powers over tariffs.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk has announced he is leaving the Trump administration, ending his brief but headline-grabbing role in the push to shrink the size of the US government. In a post on his platform X, Musk thanked President Donald Trump for the chance to help lead the Department of Government Efficiency. His position was always meant to be temporary, so the departure is not a surprise, though it comes just a day after Musk criticised a major part of Trump’s legislative agenda. During his time in the role, Musk supported efforts that led to the cutting of thousands of federal jobs, sparking both praise and controversy. His exit marks the end of a short but impactful stint in Washington, with attention now turning to how the administration will continue its government overhaul without him.
Sport
Tennis - The second round of Roland-Garros continues today, with nine French players hoping to book a spot in the third round. Gael Monfils returns to the spotlight in the evening session, taking on world number 5 Jack Draper, after thrilling fans in his Tuesday night match. All eyes will also be on Richard Gasquet, who could be playing his final match at Roland-Garros. He faces a tough challenge against world number 1 Jannik Sinner, scheduled as the second match on Centre Court today.
Football - Many fans wondered if winning the UEFA Conference League would matter to Chelsea, but by the final whistle, it was clear just how much it meant. The Blues scored four second-half goals to seal a 4-1 victory against Real Betis, sparking wild celebrations on and off the pitch. This was Chelsea’s first trophy since February 2022, and their first major title since winning the Champions League in 2021.
Meanwhile, before the match tension were high between fans as police arrested 28 people in Wroclaw, Poland, after violent clashes between Chelsea and Real Betis fans. The trouble began on Wednesday afternoon in Wroclaw’s Market Square, where hundreds of fans were involved in fights. Police moved in quickly and were able to bring the situation under control.
Cycling - Mexico’s Isaac del Toro has held on to the pink jersey and claimed his first stage win at the Giro d’Italia, taking victory on stage 17. Del Toro crossed the finish line in 3 hours, 58 minutes, and 48 seconds. Britain’s Simon Yates finished fourth, slipping to third overall in the general classification.
Golf - The PGA Tour has announced a major change to the Tour Championship, scrapping the starting strokes format that has been used since 2019. This year, all 30 players will start the event at level par when they tee off at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. The change is expected to create a more traditional and level playing field, making the final tournament more competitive and exciting for fans and players alike.
Weather
Sunshine with a gentle breeze in the Alpes Maritimes. Moderate to strong winds in the Var. Highs of 25 degrees in Monaco, 25 degrees in Nice, 26 degrees in Antibes, 27 degrees in Vence and 23 degrees in Saint Tropez. This evening going down to 15 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend, remaining fine and sunny with light winds and highs of 25 degrees.
Sunrise 05.53am
Sunset 09.02pm
Weather elsewhere
London 23° light cloud.
Paris 25° sunny intervals.
Dublinl 20° thick cloud.
Beach weather
Nice – Sea temperature 20°, air temperature 25°. Fine and sunny. UV Level 8.
Marseille - Sea temperature 17°, air temperature 24°. Sunny with strong winds and gust of up to 50km/hr. UV level 8.
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