Saint-Tropez

French firefighters battled to contain a raging wildfire near the glitzy Mediterranean resort of Saint-Tropez on Aug. 17, with thousands of residents and holidaymakers forced to evacuate.

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The party of France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen performed weaker than expected in the first round of regional elections on June 20, in a vote marked by record levels of abstention.

Early projections showed the center-right Republicans party on course to top June 20's vote, while Le Pen's National Rally undershot predictions based on voter surveys conducted last week.

Photo-finish may seem an overstatement to define centenarian yachts crossing the finish line.

At least 10,000 people were evacuated overnight after a new wild fire broke out in southern France, which was already battling massive blazes that have consumed swathes of forest, authorities said on July 26, reported Hurriyet Daily News.

At least 10,000 people were evacuated overnight after a new wild fire broke out in southern France, which was already battling massive blazes that have consumed swathes of forest, authorities said on July 26.

The new fire came a day after France asked for Europe's help to tackle the flames already raging in the tinder dry south, including near the popular resort of Saint-Tropez.

Ever yearned to swap tales of the sea with "Titanic" stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet? Well strap on your life jacket, because the pair are auctioning off a private dinner in their exclusive company for charity, a spokesman for the actor said on July 25.

France has asked for Europe's help in fighting wildfires that have consumed swaths of forest close to the popular resort of Saint-Tropez and on the island of Corsica.

Over 4,000 firefighters and troops backed by 19 water bombers have been mobilised to extinguish the blazes.

Fires have destroyed some 1,400 hectares of forest and woodlands in the south of France and the island of Corsica on July 24, authorities said. 

The biggest fire was in the village of Bastidonne, in the Vaucluse region, where fires, intensified by strong winds, consumed some 600 hectares of forest. 

Wild Fires Across Southern France and Corsica threaten homes.

Hundreds of firefighters were battling blazes across southern France on Monday, with one inferno spreading across 900 hectors of forest and threatening homes on the island of Corsica, emergency services said.

Auguste Rodin's "Eternal springtime" marble sculpture of lovers fetched more than $20 million at auction on May 9, a record for the French sculptor, at Sotheby's in New York.

The work -- conceived by Rodin in 1884 and sculpted in 1901-1903 -- is just 31.5 inches wide by 26.25 inches tall (80 by 66.7 centimeters).