Eiffel Tower and Louvre Close Earlier Due to Extreme Heatwave

Paris – 23.06.2026: The extreme heatwave currently affecting Paris and large parts of France is having a significant impact on public life in the capital. To protect the health of visitors and employees, the operators of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum have taken special measures and shortened the opening hours.

Starting June 24, the Eiffel Tower will close at 4 p.m. instead of the usual 11 p.m. or up to 12:45 a.m. during the peak season. The Louvre Museum is also reducing its opening hours and will close its doors at 4 p.m., two hours earlier than usual. These adjustments are initially in effect until June 27 and may be extended depending on weather developments.

Temperatures in Paris continue to reach highs of up to 35 degrees Celsius, which can pose health risks, especially in the heavily frequented tourist areas and inside the museums. French authorities have issued warnings about the impacts of the heatwave and advise avoiding direct sun exposure during the hottest hours and staying well hydrated.

Normally, the Eiffel Tower is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until late evening, allowing it to manage visitor flow during cooler evening hours. The Louvre Museum, with its extensive art collections and the coveted Mona Lisa as the main attraction, regularly operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 9:45 p.m. on certain days.

The temporary early closures also affect the tourism sector in Paris, especially at a time when summer tourism is an important source of revenue. Operators and officials urge all visitors to check the current opening hours before planning a visit to avoid disappointment.

Beyond the immediate impact on culture and tourism, the heatwave highlights how strongly climate change is increasingly challenging European cities. The French capital has already announced plans to better prepare for such extreme weather events in the future, including by adding more shaded green spaces and adapting public safety measures.

Currently, however, the measures focus on health protection and reducing heat exposure, particularly to safeguard vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. Authorities appeal to the public to act responsibly and seek immediate medical assistance if symptoms of heatstroke or dehydration occur.