France faces record-breaking heatwave, attractions such as the Louvre are closing early.

France experienced its hottest day since the weather records began in 1947 on the 23rd, with the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower in Paris forced to close early. Many disappointed tourists left in the sweltering heat. According to data released by the French Meteorological Department, the national average temperature in France reached 29.8 degrees Celsius on the 23rd, making it the hottest day on record. Operators of various tourist attractions announced shortened opening hours and advised visitors to postpone their plans. The management of the Louvre Museum stated that the centuries-old building "has not fully adapted to climate change" and will close to the public 2 hours earlier each day from the 24th to the 27th, stopping at 4 pm. The Eiffel Tower, which usually stays open until midnight during the summer peak season, closed early at 4 pm on the 23rd, and it is "highly likely" that opening hours will continue to be shortened on the 24th.