France’s oldest national newspaper, centre-right, Figaro’s voice in modern media
Public Health France has recorded 5,764 excess deaths between 17 June and 2 July during an exceptional June heatwave, the highest heat-related excess mortality since 2003. France recorded 21,674 deaths against 15,910 expected; two-thirds of the excess were people aged 75 and older and more than half occurred between 25–27 June.
A parcel bomb exploded in the lobby of a Monaco building, injuring three people including Vadym Iermolaiev, a Ukrainian-born Cypriot real-estate developer. The suspect, a Ukrainian woman in her thirties seen on CCTV, is believed to have fled and faces an Interpol Red Notice. Three investigative judges are leading the inquiry into attempted murder and related charges.
Marine Le Pen has secured permission to run in France’s 2027 elections after a Paris appeals court shortened her electoral ban while maintaining her conviction for embezzlement. She must wear an ankle monitor during campaigning, and her bid remains subject to possible higher court review.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-final in Dallas. Deschamps has spent 14 years in charge, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching another final in 2022, but Spain’s victory ends France’s bid for a third consecutive final. Spain advance to the final, while Deschamps’ tenure faces a named successor discussion.
Tadej Pogačar has secured a fifth Tour de France victory, joining a rare club of five-time winners. The Slovenian clinches the title after a tense final stage on the Champs-Élysées, with Remco Evenepoel second and Isaac del Toro third. Vingegaard crashes earlier in the race, and the finish is marked by a photo finish on Montmartre.
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed France's head coach on a four-year deal and will start in August, with staff to be announced in September. He describes the role as a dream and signals continuity with Didier Deschamps while pledging to bring his own approach to the team.
A blazing stretch from southwest France to Madrid is fueling mass evacuations as heat waves persist. France reports hundreds of thousands flee homes; Spain sees similar upheaval. Authorities warn conditions remain volatile with new outbreaks possible as temperatures spike and winds shift.
French DJ Kavinsky, real name Vincent Belorgey, has died at 50 in Paris. Tributes describe him as a singular French voice; Nightcall, performed at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, is cited as a defining track. Paris prosecutors say no suspicious circumstances and an investigation is opened into the death.
Police remarks captured on a Carcassonne body cam show racist and homophobic language linked to National Rally associates. The clip has sparked condemnation from officials and intensified scrutiny ahead of France’s presidential race. Investigations are underway as parties distance themselves.