02-07-2025
Eiffel Tower shut for tourists as Paris swelters under heat wave
As heat waves grip most of Europe, the summit of Paris' Eiffel Tower has been shut for visitors with temperatures in France's capital expected to reach 38.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. According to a statement on Eiffel Tower's website, the landmark would close early at 4pm (local time).
The website added a few advisory for the visitors which stated that the last entry for ticket holders would be 2:30pm (local time) and visitors without tickets are 'asked to postpone their visit until after Thursday.' Eiffel Tower's website also urged tourists to protect themselves from the sun and stay hydrated regularly during the period of high temperatures.
The website stated that fountains are available along the paths leading to the forecourt for people seeking respite from the heat wave. The top of Eiffel Tower has been shut but the first and second floor of the iconic attraction remains open, however, staff are urging visitors without pre-booked tickets to postpone their trip.
🌐 Due to the heatwave, and to ensure everyone's comfort and safety, the summit will be closed through July 2. To all my visitors, please protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated 🥤👒
— La tour Eiffel (@LaTourEiffel) June 30, 2025
Amid soaring temperatures in Paris, parts of southern France have seen mercury rising to 40 degrees Celsius as the French government issued high-level heat wave alerts across 84 regions of the country.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Monday criticized the French government's handling of the heat wave crisis and called for 'a major air conditioning equipment plan'. Le Pen said ordinary citizens are facing the brunt of the scorching heat while 'so-called French elites' remain in climate-controlled environments, Politico reported.
According to a CNN report, a marine heat wave has combined with a powerful heat dome in the Mediterranean Sea which is causing Europe to swelter under the scorching heat wave. It is a new pattern which has become frequent in recent times as the planet warms up.
The influence of Mediterranean Seat heat waves have become more significant and torturous in recent summers, with ocean heat playing a vital role in temperature rise on land, which in turn triggers deadly floods and wildfires.
