France is grappling with a severe heatwave, as temperatures are forecast to reach up to 41 degrees Celsius (105.8 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting early closures of major tourist attractions in Paris and leading to unprecedented adjustments in the Tour de France. Red weather alerts for extreme high-temperature warnings have been issued by Meteo News for 37 departments, affecting approximately 22 million people.
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower announced it would close early on Saturday and Sunday due to the extreme heat, with the last entry permitted at 12:15 p.m. and the attraction shutting down at 4 p.m. both days. The Louvre Museum also reduced its hours, closing at 4 p.m. from Friday, July 10, through Monday, July 13, advising visitors to adjust their pace and protect themselves from the heat. The Musée d'Orsay similarly announced closures at 5 p.m. from Saturday, July 11, to Wednesday, July 15.
The iconic Tour de France experienced its first-ever stage shortening due to heat risks. Stage nine was reduced by over 18 miles, with organizers diverting the race route from its original path due to an "exceptionally intense heatwave" in the Correze department.
Beyond the capital, the prolonged hot weather is significantly impacting France's landscape. The Loire River, the country's longest, has dwindled to a sandbank in some areas, with drought conditions worsening and leaving only stagnant puddles. The Doubs River is also reported to be dry. The extreme temperatures have also led to school closures, power outages affecting tens of thousands of households, and have been linked to over 2,000 deaths nationwide. Water reserves have been depleted, with nearly a dozen departments experiencing a 'crisis' level for tap water, leading to advisories for households to restrict water usage, avoid watering plants, washing cars, and filling swimming pools.