French and Riviera News Tuesday 19th August 2025

News

Wildfire in the Var – A major wildfire which broke out on Monday near Pontevès, between Barjols and Cotignac in the Var has now been contained after destroying 130 hectares. Firefighters intervened with four sustaining minor injuries. Around 30 residents were evacuated as a precaution. Authorities confirmed that no homes were under threat. The fire was declared "fixed" by 8:30pm local time, though firefighters are continuing efforts to fully control the blaze, with ongoing drone surveillance. 

Teenage girl treated for minor knife wounds - In Nice, a teenage girl has been treated for minor knife wounds after an attack on Boulevard de la Madeleine. Investigators say the incident may have stemmed from a family dispute.

French streamer found dead - Still in the region, French streamer Jean Pormanove, one of the country’s most watched online personalities has been found dead at the age of 46 at his home in Contes. Known for controversial live videos, he reportedly died in his sleep. Police have opened an investigation.

Princess Charlene of Monaco warns of ‘Public Health Emergency’ over rising drownings - Princess Charlene of Monaco has sounded the alarm over what she described as a “public health emergency” following a sharp rise in drownings this summer. Deeply affected by the surge in deaths, the Princess urged for constant vigilance around water, particularly stressing the need for children to be supervised at all times.

End of heatwave - Meanwhile, unsettled weather is on the way for the Alpes-Maritimes. Showers and storms are forecast midweek, with temperatures dropping sharply inland, though the coast will remain hot. The weekend looks wet with only brief sunny spells.

French criticise child-free resorts – Finally, nationally in France, a political row is brewing over child-free resorts. MP Laurence Rossignol is calling for a ban, saying adult-only hotels promote intolerance. Supporters argue many holidaymakers simply want a break, but the debate comes as France confronts falling birth rates. What do you think? Should child-free resorts be banned, or do they serve a valuable purpose? email studio@rivieraradio.mc or Whatsapp on +33680869599. 

Sport

Football - The Premier League is back and so are the controversies. Leeds marked their top-flight return with a gritty 1-0 win over Everton on Monday evening, thanks to a second-half penalty. But the decision to award it is making the headlines.

And OGC Nice are close to sealing the signing of Spanish striker Kevin Carlos from FC Basel. The 24-year-old’s arrival is expected to be confirmed today.  

Tennis - An emotional Jannik Sinner has been forced to retire from the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz due to illness, just six days before he begins his US Open title defence. Alcaraz, now the Cincinnati champion, comforted his friend.

Formula One - Melbourne’s own Oscar Piastri will have his very own grandstand at next year’s Australian Grand Prix. The 24-year-old McLaren star is currently leading the 2025 drivers’ championship by nine points over teammate Lando Norris, with six race wins this season, the most by any Australian in a single F1 year.

Business

Intel shares have jumped more than 5% after Japan’s SoftBank announced a $2 billion stake in the U.S. chipmaker on Monday.  SoftBank will pay $23 per share, calling the move a joint commitment to advancing semiconductor innovation in the U.S. The deal comes amid reports that the Trump administration is also considering taking a 10% stake in Intel. The White House has so far declined to confirm the speculation. Meanwhile, SoftBank’s move is being seen as a strong vote of confidence in Intel’s future as it seeks to reclaim its leadership in the chip industry.

And - Luxury members' club chain Soho House is going private in a $2.7 billion (£2bn) deal backed by Hollywood star and investor Ashton Kutcher. The group, famous for its celebrity clientele and exclusive venues, was founded in London in 1995 and now boasts 46 clubs worldwide, including hotspots in New York, Mykonos, and Bangkok.

Weather

Mainly fine with some cloudy patches in places. Temperatures are warming up quickly, currently around 22°C in Nice, 21°C in Monaco, 23°C in Saint-Tropez, and 22°C in San Remo. A light easterly wind with moderate to strong winds forecast in the Var by this afternoon. Highs of 28 to 30°C along the coast. The orange heatwave alert has now been lifted. Tonight remains mild with overnight lows around 21°C.

The outlook for tomorrow, thundery showers and forecast with warm temperatures and sunny spells.

Sunrise 06.39am

Sunset 08.27pm

Weather elsewhere

Palma 32° sunny, Bordeaux 26° sunny intervals, Liverpool 22° sunny intervals.

Beach weather

Sunny skies and light breezes all the way from Nice to San Remo. Air temperatures this afternoon will peak at 28°C in Nice, 27°C in Monaco, 30°C in Saint-Tropez, and 29°C in San Remo. The sea temperature is 25°C, ideal for a swim! Gentle breeze. UV levels are very high today, so don’t forget the sunscreen, hats, and plenty of shade between 11am and 4pm.

And Finally 

Learning when to switch from bonjour to bonsoir can baffle even native French speakers. Some say it depends on daylight, others on dinner time or habit, with answers ranging from midday to 8pm. A teacher from the south uses bonsoir after noon, confusing Parisians, while others simply say bonjour all day. Dictionaries offer only vague guidance, defining bonsoir as a greeting “used in the evening.” If you’re unsure, just follow the locals, or stick with bonjour. Either way, you’ll fit right in with the charming confusion.

 

 

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