What gets cancelled during heatwaves in France?
READ MORE:
Explained: What does a red weather warning mean in France?
These warnings are issued by département via Météo France's
'vigilance' map
, which they update daily, and they come with various advice for how to stay safe.
Local authorities may open special air-conditioned cool-off areas, and they may increase opening hours for parks and other shady areas.
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On the other hand, local authorities, businesses and event organisers may choose to close during a heatwave.
Hiking in the mountains
Heatwaves can coincide with increased forest fire risk. Météo France also issues a
forest fire risk map
. If an area is deemed at higher risk for wildfires, local authorities may issue a décret closing off certain
massifs
(mountain ranges) to non-essential personnel.
On top of that, hiking in extreme temperatures can be very dangerous, particularly if you are in an area with little tree cover.
Access to forests and natural parks can also be closed due to a risk of wildfire.
READ MORE:
How to stay safe when hiking in France in the summer
Train travel
While it remains uncommon for French rail services to cancel large swathes of scheduled train journeys due to high temperatures, heatwave-related cancellations and delays are becoming more common, especially on lines with older trains, like the Intercités and TER (regional) train services.
Train journeys may be cancelled due to concerns related to adequate air conditioning. Similarly, trains may be cancelled or delayed due to high temperatures causing the steel rails to deform, which can cause damage and possibly lead to derailments.
The hot temperatures can also force trains to run slower, in order to avoid engines overheating. Before heading to the train station during a heatwave, be sure to check the status of your train online. Always pack extra water in case of delays.
READ MORE:
Should I worry my French train will be cancelled during a heatwave?
As for public transportation - in Paris, the city public transport runs during heatwaves, but lines can be disrupted or services suspended if a passenger collapses and requires medical attention - which is why you will hear lots of announcements encouraging you to stay hydrated on the hottest days.
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Dechetteries (Recycling centres)
Waste collection centres often close or alter their operating hours when temperatures climb. Closures and altered hours are meant to protect staff, as many
dechetteries
are highly exposed to the sun with little to no shade.
Fireworks displays
If there is a risk of wildfires in addition to the heatwave, then local authorities may
ban fireworks displays
in order to prevent a possible fire.
Small businesses and restaurants
Currently, it is not common to see shops and restaurants close during heatwaves, despite the fact that some work (eg cooking in a non-air-conditioned kitchen) can be very dangerous at high temperatures.
This may soon change. In July, France brought in new legislation requiring employers to take more precautions to ensure that their employees are safe in the heat, which could include altering working hours (and therefore opening hours of a public site).
Therefore, you may notice more businesses opting to close or change their hours once temperatures reach 35C or higher.
Tourist attractions
The decision to close or alter hours at tourist destinations is usually up to local authorities or the private operator. Some tourist destinations may instead change their offering slightly.
For example, in July, the Eiffel Tower closed its summit to the public in order to ensure visitors' and staff safety, but they left the first and second floors open. People with tickets to the summit were reimbursed.
Schools
If a heatwave hits outside of the summer holidays, it could lead to school closures, particularly if the school is not adequately prepared to handle high temperatures. Parents will be informed of any closures ahead of time.
Events
A red alert gives local authorities the power to cancel large public events such as music festivals if they think the heat poses a danger to attendees. Likewise, organisers may cancel if they believe they cannot keep visitors safe.
Similarly, local authorities can cancel sporting events if the heat is seen as too extreme.
Open-water swimming areas
Heatwaves often lead local authorities to make access to swimming pools
free or at a reduced price
.
However when it comes to wild swimming or open-air swimming sites, high temperatures can lead to increased concentrations of bacteria, dangerous algae, and jellyfish. Local authorities may have to close swimming areas if the conditions become unsafe.
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