PARIS: An unprecedented heatwave across France is affecting tourism in the French capital, with some of Paris’ most iconic attractions reducing operating hours and prompting visitors to alter their travel plans.
The soaring temperatures, which saw France record one of its hottest days on June 23 since weather records began in 1947, forced the Eiffel Tower to close earlier than usual and led to shortened opening hours at the Louvre Museum. The extreme conditions have raised concerns about the impact of climate change on tourism experiences in one of the world’s most visited destinations.
Many tourists reported disappointment as planned activities were cancelled or adjusted. Spanish visitor Maite Blazques, who had travelled to Paris with her young son after months of saving for the trip, said the heatwave forced them to revise their itinerary. Outdoor activities such as guided walking tours in the historic Marais district and river cruises along the Seine had to be cancelled, while access to the summit of the Eiffel Tower was no longer possible.
The operator of the Eiffel Tower announced that the landmark would close exceptionally early at 4 pm, with further schedule adjustments likely if temperatures remain dangerously high. The monument, which welcomes around seven million visitors annually, typically remains open until after midnight during the peak summer season.
American tourist Tamara Dancer said the cancellation of her guided tour negatively affected her holiday experience. Other visitors were seen carrying umbrellas, hats and handheld fans as they navigated the city’s heat-soaked streets.
John Beeler, an engineer from the United States, described the conditions as challenging, saying the heat made sightseeing uncomfortable both outdoors and on public transport. He and his wife decided to move to an air-conditioned hotel to escape the extreme temperatures.
Similarly, London retiree Drake Winners said exploring Paris on foot had become nearly impossible due to the heat. Instead, he sought refuge in museums and churches where cooler indoor environments offered relief.
The Louvre Museum, home to the world-famous Mona Lisa and one of the most visited museums globally, announced it would close two hours earlier than normal from Wednesday through Saturday. Museum officials acknowledged that parts of the historic complex were not sufficiently adapted to cope with increasingly frequent extreme weather events linked to climate change.
The heatwave has also affected other tourism destinations across France. Authorities at Mont Saint-Michel, one of the country’s most visited attractions outside the Paris region, advised travellers to postpone their visits during the highest-level weather alert.
With more than half of mainland France remaining under red alert conditions, tourism operators are closely monitoring the situation as extreme weather increasingly becomes a factor influencing travel experiences across Europe.
