Several of Paris’ most famous tourist attractions have reduced their opening hours as France experiences another spell of extreme heat, with temperatures reaching around 35°C in the capital.

The temporary changes affect the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Musée National Eugène Delacroix and the Musée d’Orsay as authorities seek to protect visitors and staff from the unusually high temperatures.

Eiffel Tower and Louvre Close Early

The Eiffel Tower is closing at 4:00 p.m. instead of its usual summer closing time of 12:45 a.m.

The Louvre Museum and the Musée National Eugène Delacroix are also closing at 4:00 p.m. through Monday, replacing their standard 6:00 p.m. closing time.

Meanwhile, the Musée d’Orsay will shut its doors at 5:00 p.m., one hour earlier than usual, until Wednesday.

Heat Affecting Historic Buildings

“Due to rising temperatures, we can no longer guarantee comfortable conditions for visitors and staff,” the Louvre said in a statement.

The museum added that the former royal palace, home to the Mona Lisa, was “not sufficiently adapted to climate change” because of its historic architecture.

France Under Heat Alert

Temperatures in Paris hovered around 35°C on Saturday as a widespread heatwave affected much of the country.

French authorities issued the highest-level heat alert for 24 departments across central and western France, covering roughly one-quarter of the country’s territory as the summer holiday season begins.

Officials continue to advise residents and visitors to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day and monitor updates as extreme temperatures persist.