Ian Langsdon / EPA
France has gone further than some neighboring countries: it has placed more than a third of the country on red alert due to the heat wave predicted for this Sunday and the days that follow, and banned alcohol consumption during the annual Fête de la Musique festivities.
French authorities are restricting alcohol consumption on public roads in some areas of Paris, at a time when a extreme heat wave in several parts of Europe it coincides with one of the biggest street party nights in the country.
The intense heat wave, which began at the beginning of this week, is already disrupting the country, forcing the cancellation of dozens of trains and the suspension of classes.
Météo-France predicts that, from this Monday onwards, temperatures could reach 41°C in some places and that the average across the country can reach the highest value ever. According to AFP, the French meteorological service also stated that the duration of the heat wave is “uncertain”.
A police order issued before the festival Music Festivalwhich takes place annually on the summer solstice, prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages strongest in areas along the popular Canal Saint-Martin, including parts of Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes.
From 1:00 p.m., are also prohibitedin the same area, sales to consumption outside the establishment of these alcohol categories, although licensed restaurants and bars are exempt.
The order goes further along the Seinewhere authorities banned the consumption, possession and transport of alcoholic beverages, as well as all drinks in glass containers — from 8am on Sunday, in riverside areas covering several districts from Paris, to Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis.
The restrictions in Paris are, in part a crowd control measure and, in part, a public health warning, says the . Paris police said that alcohol consumption on the street has contributed to recurrent disturbancesnoise complaints and episodes of violence, and pointed to more than 1000 fines issued under previous alcohol rules in 2025.
But the measure arises mainly due to the coincidence between great festivities outdoors and a extreme heat wave.
Medical authorities recommend avoid alcohol during hot periods severe, because worsens dehydration and interferes with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of heat stroke.
France has recorded temperatures close to 40°C in some areasputting emergency services, schools, rail operators and local officials under pressure.
National authorities have put bushfirefighting teams on alert, canceled or limited outdoor events, and appealed to organizers in areas under red alert to reduce alcohol consumptionto allow medical services to focus on the most vulnerable people.
