News
Alpes-Maritimes and the Var swelter under prolonged heatwave - The heatwave gripping the south-east France is showing no signs of easing, with an orange heatwave alert extended for the Alpes-Maritimes and Var this Wednesday. Residents are being urged to take precautions as extreme overnight and daytime temperatures continue to break records.
From Monday night into Tuesday morning, parts of the Alpes-Maritimes endured their hottest night since records began. In Nice, the temperature failed to drop below 28.7°C by dawn — more than seven degrees above the seasonal average of 21.5°C, and marginally hotter than the previous record set in August 2023. Valbonne, registered an even higher minimum of 29.4°C, surpassing its own record of 29.1°C, while Menton logged a 10-day record of 29.4°C. Even in the hills, the heat was unrelenting: Tende, at 636 metres, recorded 19.3°C instead of its usual 14.2°C, and Mandelieu saw 24.6°C versus the normal 19.2°C.
Daytime heat on Tuesday was equally intense, with Nice reaching 33.6°C, Lantosque peaking at 38.3°C, and inland towns such as Carros forecast at 36–38°C. Meteorologists warn that such conditions are set to persist. Forecasters also caution that thunderstorms could develop later today in the Haut-Var and valleys along the Côte d’Azur, with particularly strong activity expected in the east of the department. Heavy rainfall of up to 40 mm and gusts of 60–80 km/h may accompany the storms, prompting advice to avoid hiking, mountain excursions, and swimming in rivers or streams during the late afternoon and evening. The orange heatwave alert remains in force, with health authorities reminding the public to stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity, and check in on vulnerable neighbours as the high temperatures continue.
Nationwide cheese recall in France over listeria fears - French health authorities have issued an urgent recall of dozens of cheeses after fears of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that causes the potentially life-threatening illness listeriosis. The nationwide action, announced on Tuesday, the 12th August, by the official consumer safety portal Rappel Conso, covers a wide range of popular brands and varieties, including camembert, coulommiers, brie, goat’s cheese logs, and mixed cheese products.
The affected products, some of which may also have reached supermarkets in Monaco, include cheeses sold under names such as Vieux Porche, Mariotte, Saveur d’Antan, Le Chaignet, Le Berger, Carrefour Classic, La Belle du Bocage, Charles VII, and Maître Queue. They were widely available in major French supermarket chains including Lidl, U stores, and Carrefour. All are suspected of carrying Listeria monocytogenes and have been withdrawn from sale.
Consumers are advised not to eat the recalled cheeses and to return them to the point of purchase for a refund. Anyone who has consumed them and develops symptoms such as fever, headache, or muscle aches, particularly pregnant women, older people, and those with weakened immune systems, should seek urgent medical attention. Listeriosis can incubate for up to eight weeks and, in severe cases, may cause neurological complications, miscarriage, or death.
While France has seen occasional cheese recalls in recent years, officials say this is one of the most extensive to date, affecting multiple producers and regions. Investigations into the source of the contamination are ongoing, but authorities stress that the recall is a precautionary measure to safeguard public health. They also remind consumers to check batch numbers and expiry dates on perishable goods, especially soft cheeses, which are more susceptible to bacterial growth even when refrigerated.
Discoloured water flows into the sea between Cagnes-sur-Mer and Saint-Laurent-du-Var - Bathers have been met with murky, milky-coloured water at the Vespins beach as discoloured water poured from the stream that runs into the sea between Cagnes-sur-Mer and Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Normally crystal clear, the stream has, for decades, carried overflow from the Var Canal, which is due to be replaced by 2030. This water is normally drinkable. The incident which occurred on Monday did not lead to any beaches being closed and local council serivces were unable to expalin the reason for the temporary change in colour. By Tuesday authorities found the water to be clean. Incidents of water discolouration and suspected pollution have been on the rise this year along this stretch of coastline. In addition to issues at the local wastewater treatment plant, several beaches were temporarily closed in 2025 following suspected illegal discharges of dirty water into local streams, which naturally flow into the sea.
Couple with guide dog refused entry to resaurant in Hyères and file a complaint - A deaf couple have lodged a formal complaint after being refused entry to a restaurant in Hyères because they were accompanied by their assistance dog. The incident occurred last Wednesday at Viet Wok, where the couple, dining with family, had booked a table for six. According to their daughter-in-law Nina, the manager immediately turned them away, citing a no-animals policy. Despite explaining that the Australian Shepherd was a trained guide dog and showing official documentation, the manager refused to admit them. The couple filed a police complaint the following day.
Claire Bire, technical director of Les Chiens du Silence — the only French association training assistance dogs for the deaf — compared the refusal to “banning a wheelchair on the grounds it might dirty the floor.” She explained that the dog, Simba, alerts the couple to alarms, visitors, or dangers in the street. Under French law since 2005, such dogs have full access to public places. The association plans to join the legal action. Restaurant manager Anphuc Tran confirmed the refusal, arguing that buffet service posed hygiene risks. Citing a 2024 regulation he claims allows private venues some discretion, he said: “They were six people, I don’t see why the dog was essential for the deaf guests at that moment. They could have left it in the car to eat.”
Two women seriously injured in a car crash in Cotignac - A road accident in the Var has left two women seriously injured. The collision involving two vehicles occurred at around 4pm on Tuesday on the road to Carcès in Cotignac. Emergency services responded quickly, and the two women were taken to hospital in critical condition. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
One injured in shooting in Les Moulins district of Nice on Tuesday evening - A shooting has broken out in the Moulins district of Nice. The incident occurred at around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12th. A man in his twenties was injured. Emergency services and the national police intervened. The victim was transported to A&E. An investigation has been opened.
A push to cut social benefits for drug dealers could go nationwide – Local MP for the Alpes Maritimes Alexandra Martin wants to expand a local measure that blocks drug traffickers from receiving state aid. The trial launched this summer in Cannes, targets convicted dealers by suspending their social benefits. Martin says it's unacceptable for those profiting from crime to receive public support. The proposal also calls for tougher action, including evicting repeat offenders and criminals from public housing. Martin argues national solidarity should not apply to those who break the laws of the Republic.
One of the world’s largest yachts, the Golden Odyssey, spotted off the Côte d’Azur - The Golden Odyssey, ranked among the largest yachts in the world, has been sighted anchored near the Lérins Islands off the French Riviera. A regular visitor to the Mediterranean, the vessel was last seen near Syracuse, Italy, before arriving off Sainte-Marguerite Island, where it now lies close to another maritime giant, the Lady Moura.
Tracked via the VesselFinder maritime monitoring site, the Golden Odyssey is a 124-metre-long, 20-metre-wide floating palace capable of hosting up to 30 guests in around 15 cabins, with a crew of 70. Amenities include a gym, swimming pool, sauna, beauty salon, and even a pool that can transform into a stage for events. Designed by the late interior architect Alberto Pinto, the yacht also boasts two master suites, private terraces with dining and relaxation areas, a jacuzzi, lounges on each deck, an elevator serving four levels, and a helipad.
The vessel has a colourful history. Once owned by Saudi Prince Khaled bin Sultan Al Saud, it was reportedly never used by him before being seized in 2015 following allegations of capital flight and payment difficulties. Auctioned off, it was acquired by a Chinese billionaire who is now believed to be seeking a buyer once again.
Swiss swimmer Noam Yaron has begun an extreme 180-kilometre swim from Calvi to Monaco - Finally, 28-year-old Noam Yaron has set off on a non-stop swim across the Mediterranean that could take up to five days and nights. Both a physical challenge and an environmental statement, aimed at raising awareness about plastic pollution and marine protection Yaron left the coast of Corsica on Monday morning. Supported by two catamarans and a science team collecting data on water quality and marine biodiversity. This is Yaron’s second attempt his 2024 crossing was cut short due to rough conditions. This time, he hopes to reach Monaco’s shores by the end of the week.
Sport
Football - OGC Nice have been eliminated from the Champions League after a second 2-0 defeat to Benfica, losing 4-0 on aggregate in the third qualifying round. Nice join Lille and Lyon in the Europa League. Meanwhile, this evening in the UEFA Super Cup final PSG face Tottenham. Kick off is at 9pm French time.
Tennis - Carlos Alcaraz has claimed his 50th victory of 2025 with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Hamad Medjedovic in the Cincinnati Open third round, extending his Masters 1000 winning streak to 13 matches. The 22-year-old Spaniard is the first player since Novak Djokovic (2013–2016) to reach 50 wins in four straight seasons. Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has already won Monte Carlo, Rome, and defended his French Open title this year. He next heads to the US Open starting 24 August.
Athletics - Sweden’s Armand Duplantis set a new men’s pole vault world record of 6.29m at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Tuesday, his 13th world record and third this year. The 25-year-old Olympic and world champion cleared the height on his second attempt, adding another centimetre to the 6.28m mark he set in June.
Business
Artificial intelligence start-up Perplexity has made a surprise $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, proposing to run it independently with a focus on user safety. Perplexity said in a letter to Google’s parent company Alphabet that the move would benefit the public and maintain Google as the default search engine, while supporting the open-source Chromium platform used by several browsers. However, industry experts called the bid a “stunt” far below Chrome’s true value, which could be up to ten times higher. Google has not announced any plans to sell Chrome, the world’s most popular browser with over three billion users. Perplexity, valued at around $18 billion, is known for its AI app and recently launched the AI-powered Comet browser. The company previously showed interest in buying the US version of TikTok. Google faces ongoing antitrust scrutiny in the US, with a court ruling on potential breakup expected soon.
Elon Musk, owner of X, has accused Apple of making it "impossible" for apps to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT in the App Store, threatening legal action. Musk also called OpenAI CEO Sam Altman a "liar" after Altman accused Musk of using his platform for personal gain. The feud highlights ongoing tensions between the two billionaires, co-founders of OpenAI who now compete fiercely after Musk left the company. Apple partnered with ChatGPT in June 2024 but hosts several competing AI apps like DeepSeek and Perplexity, which have topped charts. Musk criticized Apple for not promoting X or his AI app Grok, despite their strong rankings. The rivalry dates back to OpenAI’s founding, with Musk opposing its shift from a nonprofit to a profit-driven model and accusing it of prioritizing Microsoft’s interests. Legal battles and public digs have followed, including Musk’s failed $100 billion bid to buy OpenAI. Apple has not commented on Musk’s threats.
And - Hundreds of thousands of students across England are receiving their A and T-level results this week, the gateway to higher education for many, but under growing financial and professional scrutiny. With average student debt now hitting £53,000 and living costs projected to exceed £61,000 over a three-year degree, the traditional path to university has become far more costly. Tuition fees alone are rising to £9,500 per year. Graduates still see long-term benefits — earning an average salary of £42,000 compared to £30,500 for non-graduates — and are more likely to be employed in skilled roles. But a tight job market, driven by automation and the rapid rise of AI, is reducing graduate-level opportunities and shrinking salary gaps. Despite these challenges, most students continue to see university as a worthwhile investment. Recent surveys show nearly half of graduates would choose the same course and institution again, while just 3% said they would skip higher education altogether. The UK government is pushing a new skills agenda and the sector remains key to producing talent in areas like tech and life sciences — but students today must weigh costs and benefits more carefully than ever before.
Weather
The orange heatwave alert remains in place across our region today. Clear skies to start with highs of 33 degrees in Nice and Monaco, 34 degrees inland in Tende and Puget-Theniers, 36 degrees in Saint-Tropez. A gentle sea breeze along the coast, with moderate to strong winds in the hills of the Alpes Maritimes. Hazy sunshine by this afternoon with thunderstorms expected inland. This evening going down to 28 degrees in Nice.
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday, tomorrow similar to today however strong winds are expected in both the Var and the Alpes Maritimes. Friday, a fine and sunny start with highs of 37 degrees.
Sunrise 06.32am
Sunset 08.36pm
Weather elsewhere
London 28° sunny, Paris 35° sunny, Dublin 26° sunny.
Beach weather
Sea temperatures in Menton, Monaco, and Nice are delightfully warm at around 25.4–25.5 °C. Take note midday—UV levels climb into the high range, so sun protection and shade are highly recommended. Gentle breezes—north to southeast at about 11 km/h in Menton and a southwest breeze near Monaco. Overall, it's an excellent day for soaking up the sun or lounging by the water—just don’t forget your sunscreen.
And Finally
Dubrovnik has been ranked the safest city in Europe, according to new research by tour operator Riviera Travel. The Croatian coastal gem scored an overall safety rating of 44.14, with a ‘very low’ current crime level (8.76) and only a ‘low’ increase in crime over the past five years (35.38). Famed for its medieval Old Town and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Dubrovnik is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and draws tourists from around the world. Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, came second with a score of 55.81, followed by Warsaw (60.19), Prague (60.88), and Kraków (64.31), all offering rich history, architecture, and low crime rates. Further down the list were Amsterdam, Munich, Reykjavik, Zurich, and Budapest, rounding out the top ten. The rankings were based on current crime rates and how much crime has increased in each city over the past five years.
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