News
Record sea temperature - The Mediterranean Sea has never been so warm with a record 29 degrees in Nice on Tuesday at 5pm. After the temperature record of 41.8 degrees recorded in Puget-Théniers in the hinterland, another record fell on Tuesday July 18th, on the beaches of the Promenade des Anglais with experts believing that 30 degrees could be reached in the coming days. The Alpes-Maritimes remains on an orange heatwave alert. In total, 10 departments are now on an orange heatwave alert the Vaucluse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Var, Haute-Corse, Corse du Sud, Pyrénées-Orientales, Bouches -du-Rhône, Gard and the Hérault.
Uber Files – A 600-page report published on Tuesday July 18th, has pointed to a “nontransparent and privileged” relationship forged between French President Emmanuel Macron and the American platform Uber, upon its arrival in France. The files point to a “secret deal” between the President, the Minister of the Economy and the company, such as the application of “Uber Pop” (where individuals drive customers in their cars) and making it easier to obtain a chauffeur-driven transport vehicle (VTC) license. Danielle Simonnet who is part of the commission of the inquiry, describes how Uber "exploited all the loopholes and set up aggressive lobbying". The case was triggered by the leak of 124,000 internal documents collected by Mark McGann, a former lobbyist for Uber in Europe, and communicated to the British newspaper The Guardian.
2030 Winter Olympics - The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and the PACA region are considering a joint candidacy for the 2030 Winter Olympics. In a joint announcement on Tuesday both regions said they wished to propose their candidacy to the world of sport and the French state to host the event on behalf of the France. The two regions and the French Olympic and Paralympic sports committees are in discussion with the French government with the objective of obtaining a collective decision by mid-September. Other places have expressed an interest in hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics including Sweden and previous host in 2002, Salt Lake City. France has hosted the Winter Olympics three times, in Chamonix in 1924, in Grenoble in 1968 and in Albertville in 1992. Paris also organized the Summer Olympics in 1900 and 1924 and will host them again next year.
Use of AI during Summer Olympics - Meanwhile, civil rights groups in France have said that plans to use AI technology on the streets of Paris during next summer’s Olympics is a threat to civil liberties. Abandoned luggage and unexpected crowds - real-time cameras will use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect suspicious activity in the French capital. Under a recent law, police will be able to use CCTV algorithms to pick up on problems such as crowd rushes, fights or unattended bags. But opponents fear the French government's real aim is to make the new security provisions permanent.
Eurostar - Some Eurostar passengers travelling from London can now avoid manual ticket and passport checks by UK officials due to a new facial verification system. The technology at St Pancras International station is aimed at reducing congestion and queues. Enhanced post-Brexit checks by French border staff have increased the time it takes to process passengers at the station. Business Premier and Carte Blanche passengers can use the system.
Road accident - Two people have been seriously injured in a road accident involving a two-wheeler and a car in Sainte-Maxime in the Var. The accident occurred shortly before 11:30am on Tuesday July 18. A 51-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man were airlifted to hospital in Toulon following the collision at the eastern exit of Sainte-Maxime on Avenue General Leclerc. Road traffic was severely disrupted along the coast road between Sainte-Maxime and Les Issambres.
Air pollution - The Var department has been placed on an air pollution alert today due to poor air quality. Atmosud warns of high ozone concentrations which, combined with the heat wave, make for poor air quality which could affect the vulnerable who are advised to avoid intense outdoor physical or sporting activities and avoid going out when the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm.
Electricity bills on the rise - Electricity bills for French households may rise from 1 August, according to reports in French media. According to France Inter, the government has consulted the Higher Energy Council on a ten per cent rise in electricity prices from August 1st. The increase would be part of the gradual exit from the electricity tariff shield which the government put in place in October 2021.
Luxe Pack Monaco - The organizers of Luxe Pack Monaco have announced the chartering of a special train between Paris and Monaco on the first day of the event. The organisers said that the train has a carbon footprint 26 times less than air transport. The initiative is supported by the Prince's Government. Luxe Pack Monaco is the annual gathering for professionals in the premium packaging sector. This year's edition will be held at the Grimaldi Forum from October 2 to 4.
Provençal - From August announcements on lines 1 and 2 of the metro network in Marseille will be available in Provençal. As a nod to Marseille's culture and identity and as the city prepares for several major events planned soon such as a visit from the Pope and the Rugby World Cup, the transport company will translate the metro station announcements into Provençal. Provençal is still spoken by the inhabitants of the region and certain names of districts come from Provençal. Meanwhile, translations into English and Spanish are also planned when the metro is automated in 2026.
Business
Following a BBC investigation over 100 more former and current McDonald's workers have come forward to allege they faced harassment and bullying. It was reported on Tuesday that the BBC’s investigation had found workers as young as 17 claiming they
