France is battling an intense heatwave, with nearly half the country, including Paris, placed under a red alert as temperatures surge toward record highs. In Bordeaux, temperatures reached 40°C, while millions across the country face extreme heat conditions. To ease pressure on emergency and healthcare services, authorities banned alcohol consumption at public events during the annual Fête de la Musique festival. Hundreds of schools have been closed or operating with reduced hours due to the soaring temperatures. In Paris, residents and tourists sought relief by cooling off in canals and public water areas as authorities kept parks open overnight.
