Paris is bracing for another intense heatwave this weekend, prompting the early closure of several major landmarks. The Eiffel Tower announced it would "exceptionally close" at 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday, while the Louvre Museum will shutter at the same time through Monday. The Musée d'Orsay will follow suit, closing from 5 PM from Saturday to Wednesday.
According to Météo-France, 24 departments across northwestern France are under a red heat alert on Saturday, affecting more than 22 million people. Temperatures are forecast to range between 35°C and 38°C across most regions, with highs of up to 39°C expected from Burgundy to Pays de la Loire. Much of the rest of the country remains under an orange alert as residents prepare for Bastille Day celebrations on 14 July.
Third Heatwave Since May
This is the third heatwave to hit France since May, underscoring a pattern of increasingly frequent and intense summer heat events across Europe. The phenomenon is not isolated to France; Germany is also bracing for temperatures up to 38°C this weekend, and similar conditions have been reported in other parts of the continent.
Emmanuel Grégoire, the mayor of Paris, called a crisis meeting on Friday to coordinate the city's response. Measures include opening cooling centers, distributing water, and ensuring vulnerable populations are checked on. The closures of the Eiffel Tower and other sites are precautionary, aimed at protecting both visitors and staff from the extreme heat.
The heatwave also raises broader questions about climate adaptation in European cities. Paris, like many urban centers, is increasingly vulnerable to heat islands, where concrete and asphalt trap warmth. The city has invested in green spaces and reflective surfaces, but the pace of change may need to accelerate as such events become more common.
For travelers, the early closures are a reminder to check local conditions and plan accordingly. The growing trend of 'skillidays' suggests many Europeans are seeking more flexible, experience-based travel, but extreme weather can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
As the heatwave persists, authorities urge residents and tourists to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun hours, and look out for one another. The situation is being monitored closely, with updates expected from Météo-France and local officials.
