News
Strike action - The CGT union is calling for a nationwide strike tomorrow, Thursday, June 5th, to protest against pension reforms and ask for higher wages and job protections. About 150 demonstrations will take place across France, including one in Nice at 2 p.m. starting from Place Massena. In the Nice Côte d'Azur area, public transport will be badly affected. No trams will run, and many bus lines will not be operating. To help motorists, the city may offer free street parking during the strike although this is not yet confirmed.
Outside of Nice, no major transport problems are expected. Train services will mostly run as usual, though minor delays might happen in the Alpes-Maritimes area because some railway workers are joining the strike. Hospital workers at Nice’s CHU are also striking, protesting the pension law. Some will work during the strike, while others plan to join the protest march. Schools should see few problems since the main teachers’ union is not striking. However, some school staff may join the strike, which could cause disruptions to some establishments and after-school activities.
Report shows income inequality in our region – Meanwhile, according to a recent report the Alpes-Maritimes ranks ninth in France for income inequality, showing one of the country’s widest gaps between rich and poor. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is the town in the where the difference in living standards between the richest and poorest is the greatest. The report, published every two years, examines income, employment, education, and living conditions to provide a clear picture of inequality across France.
The southern region, which includes Alpes-Maritimes, ranks fourth nationally for income inequality, tied with Corsica. The income difference between the richest 10% and poorest 10% in our region is €2,486, slightly above the national average. In Alpes-Maritimes, you need to earn at least €3,643 a month to be among the top 10% of earners. The nearby Var region ranks 24th in income inequality, with the top 10% earning at least €3,358 per month. Some neighbourhoods show especially stark contrasts. Saint-Tropez ranks among France’s 20 most unequal areas, where the richest earn nearly €6,000 a month and the poorest under €1,000. Other towns with large income gaps include Villefranche-sur-Mer and Èze. Meanwhile, places like Tourrette-Levens and La Trinité have smaller income differences.
Pornhub pulls out of France over age verification waw – In other news in France, Pornhub, the world’s most visited adult website, is pulling out of France because of a new law requiring strict age checks for users. The law means that such sites must take extra steps to make sure no one under 18 can access their content. France is Pornhub’s second biggest market after the US. The site will no longer be available in France from Wednesday. Adult websites like Pornhub face more rules worldwide, and the EU is also investigating if these sites do enough to protect children.
Monaco opens applications for commercial space near exotic garden - The Monaco government is offering a 584m² state-owned property for rent, located opposite the Exotic Garden at 97-98 Boulevard du Jardin Exotique. The space is intended for retail or service businesses, including catering. Office and industrial uses are not allowed. Interested applicants can download the form from the government website or pick it up at the State Property Administration offices. Guided tours of the space will take place on June 25th (2:30–4 p.m.) and July 3rd (10–11:30 a.m.). The deadline to submit applications is Friday, July 25 at noon. For more information, visit the offices at 5 Promenade Honoré II, Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Voiles d'Antibes - The Voiles d’Antibes returns from today running until the 8th of June, for its 30th edition, celebrating vintage and classic sailing yachts. The event features over 80 historic boats, exhibitions, concerts, and even vintage motorboats. New highlights include a classical music concert, a panoramic terrace space, and an Alpine Renault car parade on Saturday. Visitors can enjoy races, meet sailors, attend eco-friendly cultural events, and explore the “living museum” of navigation. All activities are free (except food and drinks), with races and entertainment happening daily throughout the port of Antibes.
Nice to put on stunning drone display – Finally, Nice is set to light up the sky this Friday, June 6th, with Europe’s biggest light drone show. A total of 2,025 illuminated drones will perform a stunning display over the Mediterranean, along the famous Quai des États-Unis. The free event celebrates the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Ocean (UNOC 3) and combines art, technology, and ocean protection. The evening starts at 8:30 pm with French electronic music from two top DJs. At 10:45 pm, the drone show begins. The 2,025 drones will create a unique performance, setting a new record for Europe. Nice has a strong history of spectacular drone shows, including one during the 2024 Tour de France.
Business
US President Donald Trump has signed an order to double tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from 25% to 50%. The new rates take effect on Wednesday and mark the second increase since March. Trump says the move is to protect the American steel industry. Critics warn the higher tariffs could hurt foreign producers, trigger trade disputes, and raise costs for US businesses that rely on the metals.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s major tax and spending bill, calling it “a complete disgrace.” The bill, passed by the House last month, includes massive tax cuts, increased defence spending, and raises the US borrowing limit. It’s a central part of Trump’s second-term agenda. “Shame on those who voted for it,” Musk posted on X. The tech billionaire recently left the administration after 129 days.
And - Mondelēz International, the company behind Oreo, has filed a lawsuit in the US against budget supermarket Aldi, accusing it of “blatantly” copying its snack packaging. In court documents, Mondelēz claims Aldi's similar designs could mislead shoppers and unfairly benefit from the Oreo brand’s popularity and reputation. Aldi US has not responded to the allegations. Aldi UK said it is not involved in the case.
Sport
Tennis - Carlos Alcaraz is through to the French Open semi-finals after a strong win over Tommy Paul. The 22-year-old Spaniard won 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 in just under two hours. Next, Alcaraz will face Lorenzo Musetti.
Football - Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football just weeks before the European Championships. The 31-year-old midfielder told reporters she is stepping away with her “head held high.” Kirby scored 19 goals in 77 appearances for England and has been a key player for over 10 years.
Rugby Union - England are expected to begin their first Nations Cup campaign next summer with matches against Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina. Talks are ongoing to hold the Fiji match in Europe, likely at Twickenham, before England travel to face South Africa and Argentina. The team will then host New Zealand, Australia, and Japan in the autumn, ahead of a grand final.
Weather
The Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments have been placed on a yellow weather alert for thunderstorms today. The alert is in place from 11am to 10pm in the Alpes-Maritimes, and at 6pm in the Var. Severe thunderstorms with hail, strong winds, and heavy rain are expected, especially in the northern Alps and central-east France. In Alpes-Maritimes, hail is likely except along the coast, where showers will be lighter. In Var, storms will mainly hit the northeast, around Draguignan. Meanwhile, nine other departments face orange alerts for heavy rain and flooding.
Unsettled with sunny spells and thundery showers forecast. Highs of 24°C in Monaco and Nice, 23°C in Saint-Tropez. Light to moderate winds. This evening going down to 16°C along the coast with cloudy skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday, mainly fine and sunny with a gentle breeze and highs of 24°C.
Sunrise 05.50am
Sunset 09.07pm
Weather elsewhere
London 19° light rain.
Paris 22° light rain.
Dublin 16° sunny intervals.
Beach weather
Nice – Sea temperature 22°, air temperature 25°. UV level 8.
Saint-Tropez – Sea temperature 22°, air temperature 24°. UV level 8.
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