France faces growing threat from invasive ‘electric ant’ species as funding for projects stalls Aggressive colonies are difficult to eradicate and researchers need approval to test new methods
French first as black wolf pack confirmed as living in Var Female with black coat gave birth to four pups who inherited rare fur
Undergrowth clearance rules now in place across Var New regulations affect most of department but aim to protect biodiversity
magazine Residents react to George Clooney’s praise of life in Var Locals in Brignoles take pride in their most famous neighbour and his love for Provençal life
Photos: flash floods and storms hit south of France, driver dies after sliding off road Vehicle was found in ditch and man in his 50s pronounced dead at the scene
Blackouts in south of France: What is known about suspected attacks on electricity grid Fire at substation in Nice follows similar attack in Var and the sabotage of an electricity pylon in Alpes-Maritimes
‘Cataclysmic scenes’ in Var as roads and homes destroyed by violent storms At least three people died after being trapped in cars
Three reported dead, two missing as violent storms hit southern France Up to 250mm of rain falls this morning around Lavandou
Plans for a new natural park in the south of France are taking shape If approved, the park will cover 1,728 km2 and include the largest mimosa forest in Europe
The Var: Popular with second-home owners and retirees One in five of the population of the southern department is aged 60-74
Electric ants spotted in south of France for second time Fears of a large colony in the Var department and beyond as the ants threaten local biodiversity
Floods in the south-east of France: One department remains on high alert Many more still at risk even as rain subsides in most areas
Wildfire destroys 600 hectares in south of France, blaze continues Over 500 firefighters are working to extinguish the flames
Another French department returns to 90km/h limit on some roads More than half of all departments have now reinstated the limit on at least some of their secondary roads, with the Var being the latest Brad Pitt to revive legendary music studio based in his French chateau Storm Corrie and mistral: High wind alerts for north France and Var British man sought by UK police for sex offences found in south France
Too soon to assess impact of forest fire on French rosé harvest Dramatic images of the recent Var wildfires have led to fears of a bad harvest this year Passing drivers stop man as he tries to start a new fire in Var forest Rare wild tortoises treated for burns in wake of south of France fire Chris Froome shares joke after French reporter fails to recognise him Areas closed off in Var and Alpes-Maritimes due to high fire risk Driver bills department council for speed bump damage
Health warning as warm seas tempt stingrays to shore Holidaymakers urged to avoid getting too close to fish spotted off coast of Var
Man arrested after more fires blaze on Corsica A man has been arrested on suspicion of deliberately starting up to five fires in the Haute-Corse, Corsica, this weekend.
Mixing social needs with sociability The British Association of the Var gives people the chance to meet other expats in the area but is also devoted to helping those who are in difficulty and has a welfare team which can give advice and support to any member of any nationality, as well as financial assistance which is restricted to British members living in or visiting the Var.