The extreme temperatures that have swept across France have forced authorities to limit the opening hours of some of the most visited attractions in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Orsay Museum.
According to a statement from the company that manages the Eiffel Tower, the monument will close earlier today and Sunday, at 16:00 PM, instead of 00:45 AM, due to the forecast of very high temperatures.
The Louvre Museum has also announced that it will close at 16:00 PM until Monday, while the Orsay Museum will close its doors at 17:00 PM until Wednesday.
The Louvre announced that, although some parts of the building are naturally more resistant to heat, the facility remains sensitive to high temperatures and is not yet fully adapted to the challenges posed by climate change. The museum also reported rising temperatures in some areas, stressing that they no longer guarantee optimal conditions for visitors and employees.
Meanwhile, the Orsay Museum explained that the decision aims to avoid long waits for visitors outdoors during the hottest hours, protect staff and ensure the preservation of artworks.
French authorities have placed about a quarter of the country on red alert due to the heatwave, which is also increasing the risk of fires on the first weekend of the holiday season.
