(France, 12th) France is experiencing its third heatwave since May this weekend, prompting early closures of Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, and shortening stages of the Tour de France.
According to AFP, as of Saturday (July 11), a quarter of mainland France’s regions, including Paris, are under the country’s highest level heat alert.
The Eiffel Tower management said that due to "forecasts indicating rising temperatures," the Eiffel Tower will “exceptionally” close early at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Paris’s two most famous museums, the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, have also taken similar measures. The Louvre announced on July 9 that from July 10 to 13 it would close early at 4 p.m.
The organizers of the Tour de France said that due to the extreme heat, Sunday’s (12th) 185.5-kilometer stage would be shortened by 30 kilometers, with a mountainous loop section being canceled—marking the first time such a decision has been made in the race’s history.
Owing to increased wildfire risks from the dry weather, many towns across France have canceled Bastille Day fireworks displays.
An official stated on July 10 that so far this year, the area burned by wildfires in France is double that of the same period last year.
On Saturday, French President Macron called on the public to remain vigilant, warning that nine out of ten fires are caused by human activity.
He said on social media platform X: “Even a single second of negligence could put families in danger, endanger those who protect us, and harm our countryside.”
Official data shows that during the June heatwave, France recorded over 2,000 excess deaths. The French meteorological agency forecasts that the high temperatures will persist through Bastille Day.