France Hit by Heatwave as Seven Die

A heatwave has struck western Europe, including France, with the French government reporting at least seven deaths related to the extreme temperatures.

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon told local TV station TF1, as reported by AFP on Tuesday (26 May 2026), “What I can say today is that there are seven deaths directly or indirectly linked to the heat.” She added that five of these deaths involved drowning incidents and that the exact numbers and causes would need “clarification after the current episode ends.”

The heatwave has set record high temperatures across various regions in France. French authorities forecast the heatwave to intensify on Tuesday (26 May), with eight departments in western France issuing ‘orange’ heat warnings—the first for May.

Bregeon’s office told AFP that drowning incidents occurred across France, from southeast Lyon to the Atlantic coast.

High temperatures on Monday (25 May) prompted many to head to beaches to cool off, but concerns are growing as lifeguard services in many areas do not start until July.

“We were just wondering this morning if the beach was supervised,” said resident Thomas Dupuy, visiting a beach in Anglet in southwestern France with his two young children. “I’m being very cautious for myself and my children who can’t swim. We know currents can pull us out—Atlantic beaches are dangerous.”