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Brigitte Bardot’s Belongings Head to Auction

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Nearly 300 personal belongings of late French actress Brigitte Bardot are being auctioned in Paris, with proceeds benefiting her animal charity. The sale includes items from her homes in Saint-Tropez and Paris, offering fans a glimpse into the private life of the iconic actress, who died in December at the age of 91.

Among the highlights are two pairs of Repetto ballet flats, diamond jewellery, her Peugeot bicycle, classical guitars and the Olivetti typewriter she used to write her correspondence and autobiography. Everyday possessions including kitchenware, Le Creuset pans, perfume, cigarette lighters and religious statues are also part of the nearly 300 lots.

Bardot, who rose to fame as an actress and model in the 1950s, became a major symbol of modern femininity before dedicating much of her later life to animal rights. The auction also features portraits of the star and belongings connected to her love of animals, including dog collars and cuddly toys. Most lots have starting prices below €100, though the auction house expects strong interest from collectors and fans.

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French Former Minister Rachida Dati Goes on Trial Over Alleged Renault-Nissan Lobbying

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French former culture and justice minister Rachida Dati has gone on trial in Paris over allegations that she accepted €900,000 from Renault-Nissan in exchange for political influence. Dati, who served as a European Parliament member between 2009 and 2019, says the payments were for legal services and denies wrongdoing.

Prosecutors allege that the contract was used to disguise lobbying activities on behalf of Renault-Nissan and that former CEO Carlos Ghosn recruited Dati to lobby in the European Parliament and help establish contacts with former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Ghosn is also on trial but will not appear in court, as he has been living in Lebanon since 2019.

If convicted, Dati could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine and a five-year ban from public office. The case could also affect her position as mayor of Paris’s 7th district, a role she has held since 2008. Anti-corruption groups involved in the case are calling for stricter rules on political lobbying in France.

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Paris Probes Claim Women Were Hidden During Hindu Delegation Visit

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Paris authorities have launched an investigation into allegations that female employees at the Eiffel Tower were asked to move out of sight during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation over the weekend. The incident reportedly sparked anger among staff, with employees holding a meeting on Monday and delaying the monument’s opening.

The delegation, consisting of around 100 people linked to the Hindu organisation BAPS, visited the Eiffel Tower on Saturday. A union representative alleged that female workers were asked to leave their workstations so that male employees could take their places as the delegation passed through. Eiffel Tower management reportedly apologised to staff following the incident.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said the facts behind the protest must be investigated, while BAPS denied that anyone was prevented from accessing the monument. The organisation said the visit was scheduled at opening time to minimise disruption because of the delegation’s size, and apologised for any “pain or inconvenience” caused. French National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet also criticised the reported treatment of women.

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Boris Nadezhdin Leaves Russia After Political Crackdown

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Russian anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin has announced that he is temporarily outside Russia after being labelled a “foreign agent” and barred from contesting the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections. In a video posted from Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, Nadezhdin said he was “alive and free” and would share his future plans later.

The 63-year-old former lawmaker has been a vocal critic of Russia’s war in Ukraine while attempting to remain active within the country’s political system. His political ambitions were halted after the Justice Ministry designated him a “foreign agent” in July, followed by police questioning and a court fine over alleged display of extremist symbols on social media, accusations he rejected.

Nadezhdin’s departure adds to the growing number of prominent Kremlin critics who have either left Russia or been imprisoned since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. Russian authorities say such measures are necessary to protect national security, while opposition figures argue they are part of a broader crackdown on political dissent.

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Modelling Scout Linked to Jeffrey Epstein Found Dead in France

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Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old modelling scout linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been found dead at his home in Colombes, a suburb of Paris. French prosecutors confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of death, with an autopsy expected to provide further details.

Siad’s name appeared numerous times in documents related to the Epstein case. One of Epstein’s alleged victims previously claimed that Siad introduced her to Epstein, while several women in France had also filed complaints against Siad, including allegations of rape. He consistently denied all accusations and maintained that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities.

Lawyers representing several complainants expressed disappointment that Siad died before being questioned by investigators, saying it has deprived victims of an opportunity to seek justice and uncover further information about Epstein’s network. His death comes four years after Epstein associate Jean-Luc Brunel was found dead in a Paris prison while facing similar allegations.

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France Showcases Support for Ukraine at Bastille Day Parade

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France used its annual Bastille Day parade to highlight European unity and support for Ukraine, with around 500 troops from the “Coalition of the Willing” marching along the Champs-Elysees in Paris. The parade also featured about 25 Ukrainian soldiers and came a day after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy joined more than 25 world leaders in Paris for a summit focused on strengthening support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed leaders including Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the national day celebrations. The event also included a joint fly-past by French and allied European aircraft, with Mirage fighter jets flown alongside Ukrainian co-pilots currently undergoing training. France described the international participation as a symbol of Europe’s growing commitment to collective security.

The display came as European allies announced a new air defence coalition to help Ukraine counter intensified Russian attacks and ammunition shortages. The Kremlin criticised the Paris gathering, calling the coalition “hostile.” Speaking ahead of the parade, Macron said Europe faces its most serious security challenges in decades and must be prepared to defend its values, freedom, and security if necessary.

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Wildfire Near Paris Intensifies as Europe Battles Extreme Heatwave

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A massive wildfire swept through the historic Fontainebleau forest near Paris on Monday, forcing the closure of the A6 highway and disrupting high-speed rail services. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by water-bombing aircraft, were deployed to contain the blaze as France faced its third major heatwave of the summer. Authorities said the fire appeared suspicious, with multiple ignition points suggesting it may have been deliberately started.

The extreme heat has also worsened wildfire conditions across southern Europe. In Spain, the death toll from a devastating wildfire in Almeria has risen to 13 after a 93-year-old British woman died from burn injuries, while several people remain missing. France has placed around 26 million people under a red heatwave alert, and Italy is preparing for another prolonged spell of high temperatures, with some regions expected to reach 43°C.

Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and wildfires across Europe. The latest heatwave has already been linked to thousands of excess deaths, particularly among older adults, while extreme weather has disrupted agriculture, transport and energy production across several countries. Health experts have cautioned that further heatwaves could bring even greater risks in the coming weeks.

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Le Pen Launches Fresh Presidential Bid

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French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has officially launched her fourth bid for the French presidency after an appeals court cleared her to run in the 2027 election. While the court upheld her conviction over the misuse of European Parliament funds, it reduced her electoral ban, allowing her to contest the vote. Le Pen said she will appeal the conviction while continuing her campaign, describing the legal battle as a challenge that has strengthened her resolve.

The decision marks a significant political comeback for Le Pen, whose presidential ambitions appeared uncertain after a 2025 ruling barred her from holding office. She is betting that French voters will look beyond her legal troubles and support her bid to become France’s first modern far-right president. Le Pen also confirmed that Jordan Bardella will remain her key political partner and would serve as prime minister if she wins the presidency.

Despite strong polling for the National Rally, the party still faces questions over its economic agenda. Internal debates continue over issues such as pension reforms, taxation, and public spending, as the party seeks to broaden its appeal among both conservative and working-class voters ahead of the 2027 election.

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Deadly Omega Heatwave Scorches Europe

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A powerful “Omega” heatwave continues to grip Western Europe, breaking temperature records and causing widespread disruption across several countries. Britain recorded its hottest June temperature ever at 36.1°C, while Paris reached a record 40.9°C. Italy placed 16 cities on its highest heat alert as forecasters warned that extreme conditions could persist through the weekend.

The severe heat has claimed dozens of lives, with France reporting at least 50 deaths linked to the heatwave, including drowning incidents and heat-related fatalities. Spain also recorded deaths from heatstroke, while soaring temperatures affected power supplies, reduced nuclear plant output, disrupted transport networks, and forced schools, tourist attractions, and public events to close or scale back operations.

Meteorologists say the heatwave is being driven by an “Omega block” weather pattern that traps hot air over regions for extended periods. Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events. With Europe warming faster than the global average, authorities across the continent are urging residents to take precautions as temperatures remain dangerously high.

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Climate Activists Protest French State’s Multi-Billion Dollar Stake in TotalEnergies

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Climate activists gathered outside TotalEnergies’ headquarters in Paris ahead of the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, protesting the French state’s undisclosed accumulation of a 1.33% stake in the energy giant. The stake, valued at approximately $2.8 billion, was revealed through a U.S. regulatory filing earlier this year, making the French state one of the company’s largest shareholders.

Campaigners criticised the investment, arguing that public funds should not be used to support fossil fuel projects at a time of growing climate concerns. Protesters called on the government to halt further investments in oil and gas developments and urged authorities to impose additional taxes on energy sector profits to support consumers facing higher energy costs.

The stake is held through France’s public financial institution, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC), which said its investment aligns with its mission of supporting major French companies and promoting economic stability. While TotalEnergies continues to expand oil and gas operations, the company has also invested heavily in renewable energy projects. The CDC stated that it prefers engaging with companies to encourage climate action rather than divesting from them.

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