Former French region; merged into Occitania in 2016
A tornado struck Pomas in southern France on Monday, injuring dozens and damaging hundreds of homes. Rescue teams are searching ruins as residents face displacement; power remains out across parts of the region amid a broader weather and climate-driven crisis.
France has recorded a sharply reduced 2026 grape harvest after an exceptionally hot, dry summer pushed harvests earlier and cut yields. Champagne production has fallen by about half and regulators have temporarily allowed some 2026 bubbly to reach 15% alcohol after sugar levels rose in sun‑stressed grapes. The agriculture ministry has estimated total output near 33.9m hectolitres.