Paris landmarks shorten hours as heatwave grips France

France is grappling with its third severe heatwave in as many months, prompting the government to activate a national emergency plan. The extreme temperatures are impacting daily life and tourism, with iconic Paris landmarks reducing their operating hours. The Eiffel Tower operator announced it would close at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, a significant departure from its usual midnight closing. Museums are also affected, with the Louvre offering reduced hours and the Musée d’Orsay closing earlier in the evening.

The heatwave's intensity has even forced changes to the prestigious Tour de France. Organizers shortened the ninth stage by 30 kilometers, a historic first for the race, due to consistently high temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier, a stage winner, welcomed the decision, highlighting the daily struggle with the heat.

Beyond tourism and sports, the heatwave poses significant public health and safety risks. The highest heat warning level, Red, was in effect for 24 departments, with another 59 under an Orange alert. The national emergency plan includes establishing air-conditioned cooling centers for vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the heightened risk of wildfires has led to the cancellation of fireworks displays for France's National Day in numerous cities. The Météo-France weather service predicts the heatwave will persist until at least the middle of next week.

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It has been hotter than 35 degrees every day since the start of the Tour.