Western Europe is in the grip of a severe, historic heatwave. It’s shattering temperature records and melting local infrastructure. Meteorological agencies in France and the UK issued their highest heat warnings in several regions.
High Temperatures
Reportedly, temperatures climb toward 40°C (104°F). Clearly, it’s about more than uncomfortable summer weather. In fact, if you travel through France or other western European destinations this week, there are some things you should take into account.
People on the ground are seeing it firsthand. On Wednesday, we spoke with a resident living just outside Lyon, France.
He told us things are getting absurd. “It’s so hot my tires are leaving marks on my driveway,” he said. Heat warnings flash on his phone constantly.
The Situation: Red Alert Status
The national thermal indicator suggests that heat remains relentless. Paris hit 102°F. Meanwhile, Lyon clocked in at 38°C. That explains why Météo-France placed over 50 departments under high alert.
Tuesday was among the hottest days recorded during the current heatwave.
The heatwave is structurally altering European travel. According to an analysis by the travel site Wego, climate extremes are “turning into a permanent structural variable for European transport and tourism, rather than an occasional exception.”
Critical conditions will likely persist through the week. Forecasters expect a potential rise to a blistering 40°C in parts of France by Saturday, June 27.
Critical Transport Disruptions
High temperatures do bad things to railways. Tracks expand. Overhead electrical lines sag. The thermal distortion means major delays and cancellations.
The high-speed rail between London and Paris faces major cutbacks. As first reported by Euronews, “Eurostar cancels some trains between Paris and London amid heatwave.”
The rail operator proactively canceled some services. The reason? The risk of “rail expansion and deformation on high-speed tracks exposed to extreme heat.”
Two daily trains were affected between Monday, June 22 and Wednesday. In a report by The Metro, the outlet noted that the affected services focus on peak afternoon and evening departures.
Eurostar explains that extreme heat strains the overhead catenary wires. It requires signal system recalibrations. Station crews are also working under restricted red alert safety protocols.
It is worth checking your app before you make final travel plans. If you have the Eurostar app, they offer a free exchange to another available service in the same class, a 12-month e-voucher, or a full refund.
Paris and Lyon Local Transport
Commuters in Paris should brace for speed restrictions. Certain intercity trains have scheduled runs canceled, and you should anticipate delays on elevated tracks as well.
Down in Lyon, public transit is under heavy strain. The Rhône department sits under an orange heatwave vigilance right on the border of the red alert zones. Local officials advise everyone to limit non-essential travel during peak afternoon hours.
Attraction Closures and Restrictions
Tourists must alter their itineraries immediately. Landmarks are closing early to protect visitors.
Attractions like the Eiffel Tower reduced visiting times. Management cited unsafe visiting conditions during peak heat hours.
The Louvre has already implemented heat-related restrictions in some areas and visitors should check opening information before arriving.
Museum officials cited heat-related concerns for visitors and collections. You cannot view the Napoleon III Apartments or the Cour Puget areas. Rooms containing terracotta works are off-limits, as are specific 17th-century French painting rooms.
If you plan on visiting any of the following attractions, then you need to clarify before departing on your adventure:
- Arc de Triomphe
- Palace of Versailles
- Jardin des Plantes
- Mont Saint-Michel
Safety Precautions
Places like Paris and Lyon have plenty of water stations. Look for the historic green Wallace fountains. Still, it might make good sense to carry your own bottled water with you.
Adapt your behavior during the heatwaves. It is better to stay cool and relaxed than rush around packing in everything in one day. Instead, adopt a Mediterranean rhythm. Do your sightseeing early, before 11:00 AM, or wait until later in the day when it cools down a bit.
If you feel you must get out and about during the heat of the day, perhaps choose modern museums, a large church, or shopping centers to slot into the midday time period.
Stay Out Of Rivers
Do not jump into local rivers. You might think it is a good idea. It is not. The currents in the Rhône and the Seine are incredibly dangerous. Swimming is strictly banned.
Emergency services in Lyon recently rescued a young professional footballer from the River Rhône. He swam in a banned zone and remains in critical condition.
Packing and Preparation
Pack wide-brimmed hats, high-SPF sunscreen, and light, breathable clothing. That is non-negotiable.
Use technology. Download the Bonjour RATP app if you are in Paris. It provides real-time transit updates and helps you plan routes utilizing air-conditioned trains (these are marked with a snowflake symbol). Handy.
Pregnant, elderly, and very young travelers need guidance on what time to venture out. So, this is a great opportunity to keep an eye out for your travel companions.
Be flexible. Heatwaves seldom last forever. Wait until this intense heat dome dissipates.