French and Riviera News Tuesday 26th August 2025

News

France prepares for nationwide shutdown - France is preparing for a nationwide shutdown on September 10th called “Bloquons tout,” organized mainly through social media. Actions planned range from strikes and boycotts to blockades. The movement is loosely organized and unpredictable.

Man drowns at beach in Antibes - A 75-year-old man has drowned at the Richelieu Beach in Antibes. The tragic incident occurred on Monday afternoon. He was pulled from the water by the emergency services at around 5pm suffering from a heart attack. Local police secured the area. An investigation is underway.

Alpes-Maritimes among regions most threatened by climate change - A recent ranking highlights the Alpes-Maritimes as one of the French regions most at risk from climate change, with Nice ranked 400th among cities exposed to rising temperatures and heatwaves. Growing summer heat raises concerns about potential climate refugees within France.

Nice among France’s most expensive cities for students - Nice has ranked 7th nationally as one of the most expensive cities for students, with average monthly costs at €1,370—up 5.15% from last year. Rent averages €675, making Nice 5th in rental costs. Paris remains the priciest, at €1,627 per month.

Job fair in Monaco today - Over 400 seasonal jobs are available at hotels in Courchevel, with a recruitment day happening today Tuesday 26th August, in Monaco. Candidates can attend at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo Grand Salon from 10am to 5pm. Organizers expect between 100 and 200 applicants.

T100 triathlon - The French Riviera T100 triathlon on August 30-31 is set to cause major road closures from early Saturday. Key streets in Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël will be affected. Local businesses criticize the late notice, worried about the impact on customers during the peak season. Plan ahead to avoid traffic delays.

Emma Watson spotted in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez – British actress Emma Watson has been seen taking a leisurely walk in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, where she is currently on holiday. Watson is one of many stars who have been spotted in the region this summer, drawn by its scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere.

World Championship of square boules held near Nice – Finally, the village of Haut-de-Cagnes hosted the 44th World Championship of Square Boules, a unique local pétanque variant played with square balls. The event draws enthusiasts celebrating this quirky regional tradition.

Business

French Socialist leader Olivier Faure has told Le Monde newspaper that it was "inconceivable" for his party to support Prime Minister François Bayrou in an upcoming confidence vote. With Socialist lawmakers holding the balance of power, their decision is crucial, if they side with other left-wing parties and the far right, the government could be ousted.

Internationally, US President Donald Trump has announced he is removing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, accusing her of making false statements on mortgage agreements. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed constitutional authority to act immediately. Cook has pushed back, stating Trump has no power to fire her and she will not resign, setting up a potential legal showdown with the central bank.

Sport

Football - Newcastle United and Liverpool delivered Premier League drama in a fiery clash at St James’ Park, highlighting a new bitter rivalry. Liverpool won the match 3-2.

Tennis - Jack Draper marked his return from injury with a gritty four-set win over Federico Gomez, 6-4 7-5 6-7(7) 6-2, at the US Open.

Golf - Tommy Fleetwood has claimed his first PGA Tour title at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, finally ending a long wait after six runner-up finishes.

Cycling - Britain's Finlay Pickering made a chaotic late entry into his first Vuelta a España, taking a 200km taxi, catching a delayed flight, and arriving without luggage. The 22-year-old replaced injured teammate Damiano Caruso less than 24 hours before the start and finished stage one in 153rd place.

Weather

Mainly fine, some cloud with hazy sunshine. Highs of 27 degrees in Monaco, 28 degrees in Nice, 29 degrees in Marseille and reaching 31 degrees in Saint-Tropez. Moderate to strong winds in the Var. This evening going down to 22 degrees.

The outlook for Wednesday, a wet and windy day across the region. Still mild with highs of 28 degrees.

Sunrise 06.47am              Sunset 08.16pm

Beach Weather

If you're heading to the beach today, you're in for a warm and pleasant day by the sea. Expect partly to mostly cloudy skies, which means a bit of sun but also some welcome shade throughout the day. The Mediterranean Sea is a lovely 25°C—perfect for swimming or just cooling off. Winds will be light to moderate from the east. UV levels are moderate to high, peaking around midday, so don’t forget your suncream.

And Finally 

A major new study has found that flavonoid-rich foods, like dark chocolate, red wine, tea, apples, and berries, can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases and even death. The key is not just quantity, but variety. People who consumed the widest range of flavonoids had up to 20% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, 10% lower risk of heart disease, and 14% lower risk of death. Just 500mg of flavonoids daily, the amount in two cups of tea, can boost long-term health, researchers say.

 

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