France remains under a severe heatwave, prompting early closures of some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. The Eiffel Tower shut at 4 p.m. on the weekend of July 11–12, 2026—nearly nine hours earlier than its usual closing time of 12:45 a.m.—due to forecasted extreme temperatures, according to the company managing the monument.
Louvre and Orsay Follow Suit
The Louvre Museum also closed early—at 4 p.m.—through Monday, July 13. The Musée d’Orsay followed a similar schedule, closing at 5 p.m. until Wednesday, July 15.
In its official statement, the Louvre acknowledged that while parts of its historic architecture offer natural resilience to heat and sunlight, the building as a whole remains vulnerable—and insufficiently adapted—to climate change. It cited rising indoor temperatures in certain areas, compromising both visitor comfort and staff well-being.
The Orsay Museum told France’s national news agency AFP that its decision aimed to ensure proper public reception, avoid long outdoor queues during peak heat hours, safeguard staff working conditions, and protect the conservation environment for its artworks.
Broader Impact Across the Country
Meanwhile, France’s longest river—the Loire—has dropped to critically low levels amid the prolonged high temperatures. A quarter of the country is now under a ‘red alert’ for extreme heat—a designation indicating exceptional danger—not only to public health but also to fire risk. This first summer weekend has seen mass departures of holidaymakers, even as wildfires loom across vulnerable regions.