In brief
France has imposed a ban on alcohol at the highly attended Fete de la Musique festival, following a severe heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 41 °C in some regions. Officials said the move aims to protect emergency services and keep medical staff focused on the most at‑risk populations. The heatwave, already disrupting transport and school schedules, has prompted wide‑scale warnings from Meteo France. The ban applies to all state‑run events, with authorities urging the public to stay hydrated through nightly open parks and gardens.
France has banned alcohol consumption during the Fete de la Musique celebrations, a move prompted by a heatwave that threatens record temperatures across the country.
The annual festival draws millions to the streets, yet 35 departments have received red‑alert heat warnings, leading the government to instruct state agencies not to serve alcohol at public events.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s office confirmed the ban, noting that the restriction is intended to preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable.
Temperatures of 39–40 °C are expected across the southwest, Paris region and Burgundy on Sunday, with a few places possibly reaching 41 °C on Monday. Météo France has warned that the heatwave could match historic highs and remains uncertain in duration.
The crisis has already disrupted transport, forcing cancellations of dozens of trains and the suspension of classes. Authorities have kept parks and gardens open through the night to help Parisians and tourists stay cool.
The Fete de la Musique, held on the summer solstice, has celebrated for over 40 years. Last year, about two million people attended events in Paris, illustrating the scale of the festivities that are now curtailed by the alcohol ban.
