France has restricted alcohol sales at certain events during a major national music festival on Sunday, as a severe heatwave drives temperatures close to record highs.
France’s annual Fête de la Musique festivities typically bring millions onto the streets nationwide, but this year’s celebrations have been affected by extreme heat conditions. With roughly one-third of the country placed under the highest level of heatwave alerts, authorities have imposed a ban on drinking alcohol in public areas within those red-zone regions.
“The office of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said that for all events organised by the state and its agencies, officials have been instructed not to serve alcohol.”
On Sunday, temperatures are expected to hit 39–40°C (102–104°F) across southwestern France, stretching through the Paris region into Burgundy, with some locations possibly reaching up to 41°C.
Temperatures are expected to peak on Monday, with authorities warning that conditions could reach levels comparable to historic highs.
The government has urged restrictions on alcohol consumption, saying the move is intended “to preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable.”
The ongoing heatwave, which has lasted for several days, has caused widespread disruption across the country, leading to the cancellation of numerous train services and the suspension of school classes.
France’s national weather agency, Météo-France, has said it is still unclear how long the ongoing heatwave—believed to be affecting around three-quarters of the population—will continue.
To help residents and visitors cope with the extreme heat, authorities have announced that parks and gardens in Paris will remain open overnight.
Fête de la Musique has been celebrated for over four decades and traditionally takes place on the summer solstice. In Paris alone, around two million people attended events last year.
