France bans public alcohol consumption amid heatwave

Canadians who have upcoming travel plans to France may not be allowed to have a Parisian picnic and bubbly in front of the Eiffel Tower.

The French government has implemented a temporary ban on public alcohol consumption across parts of the country as the popular vacation destination experiences a scorching heatwave.

Last week, Le Monde reported that the Government of France banned the consumption of alcohol in public spaces during the annual Fête de la Musique festivities after it issued a red heatwave alert across more than a third of the country.

“Prefects will issue decrees banning alcohol consumption in public spaces in the departments under red alert,” Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s office said in a statement obtained by Le Monde. “For all events organized by the state and its agencies, instructions have been given not to offer alcohol.”

The city of Paris noted, prior to the government announcement, that restaurants and bars holding necessary permits are not subject to the ban.

The French publication reported that Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire explained that the combination of alcohol, heat, and proximity to water “are three risk factors that don’t mix well.”

France has also called for limits on alcohol consumption “to preserve emergency and healthcare services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable,” reported Le Monde.

On Thursday, the country’s weather service, Météo-France, said that the European destination had just experienced its hottest night ever recorded.

🌡️🌃 La France vient de vivre sa nuit la plus chaude jamais enregistrée (valeur confirmée à 20h).

😱 Mercredi après-midi a été l’après-midi le plus chaud jamais mesuré avec 38,5 °C en moyenne sur la France. pic.twitter.com/FdpKRh6k51

— Météo-France (@meteofrance) June 25, 2026

The weather service said there are still 72 regions in France under red heatwave alerts, so if you’re heading there soon, make sure to be prepared for the oncoming heat.