Half of France under red heatwave alert as alcohol banned at street music festival
France restricted alcohol consumption in public spaces and state-run events during the Fête de la Musique. Half of the country was placed under a red heatwave alert. Temperatures in Bordeaux reached 40C (104F) on Sunday.
What changed
The area under red alert increased from one third to half of France, and specific restrictions on state-organized events were detailed.
Live updates
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France Implements Alcohol Bans During Severe Heatwave
confidence 90%France restricted alcohol consumption in public spaces and state-run events during the Fête de la Musique. Half of the country was placed under a red heatwave alert. Temperatures in Bordeaux reached 40C (104F) on Sunday.
What's confirmed:
- Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu ordered that state and agency organized events not offer alcohol.
- Authorities restricted street drinking in parts of Paris during the Fête de la Musique.
- Bordeaux reached 40C (104F) on Sunday.
- Half of France was placed under a red heat alert.
Still unconfirmed:
- Scientists describe the current hot spell as the worst ever.
- Nearly half of the 850 largest cities in the region face unprecedented heat stress.
- Four toddlers have died in France due to the heatwave.
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France Bans Alcohol at Fête de la Musique During Extreme Heatwave
confidence 100%France proceeded with the Fête de la Musique on 21 June 2026 despite a severe heatwave. Authorities banned alcohol consumption in public spaces across departments under red alert. A third of the country reached this highest alert level.
What's confirmed:
- The Fête de la Musique took place on 21 June 2026.
- Alcohol consumption was banned in public spaces within departments under red heatwave alert.
- Approximately a third of France, comprising 35 departments, was placed under red alert.
- The heatwave affected various parts of Europe with some temperatures expected to reach 42C starting Monday.
- France restricted outdoor sports and cancelled some events due to the heat.