Eiffel Tower Cuts Hours as Europe Heat Wave Scorches France

Paris is experiencing reduced access to its iconic landmarks as a severe heat wave grips France and much of Europe. The Eiffel Tower announced it will close its doors early on Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, 2026, citing the extreme temperatures.

Instead of its usual late-night operating hours, the famous tower will shut down at 4:00 p.m. local time. This measure is in response to the rising temperatures that have prompted a red alert for extreme heat across a quarter of the country, according to French media reports.

Other major Parisian cultural institutions are also adjusting their schedules. The Louvre Museum will close at 4:00 p.m. until July 13, while the Musée d'Orsay will operate until 5:00 p.m. until July 15. These adjustments aim to protect visitors and staff from the dangerous heat.

Meteo-France forecasts highs of 36 degrees Celsius in Paris on Saturday, with some regions in the country potentially reaching 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. The current heat wave is expected to persist until the middle of the following week, underscoring the widespread impact of the extreme weather.