A heat wave is affecting a large part of France, with temperatures expected to reach up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 F) during the week of June 23, 2026. The French government has held a series of interministerial meetings to address solutions to the heat wave.

At least 40 people have drowned in unsupervised swimming areas across France during the week of June 23. Temperatures on the upper floors of Paris apartments are reaching 95 F, and some classrooms in France reached 90 F by the afternoon during the current heat wave. The majority of homes in France do not have air conditioning, and many public hospitals, schools, office buildings, and cafés also operate without it. Additionally, many classrooms in France are currently functioning without fans.

French finance minister Roland Lescure addressed the situation by stating that, "Air conditioning is the best way to manage this type of situation, but it's expensive." Marine Tondelier, national secretary of the Ecologistes party, said, "Air conditioning is not a taboo, nor is it the answer to everything."

A prolonged heat wave in June and July of 2025 saw temperatures across France exceed 100 F, leading to an estimated 480 heat-related deaths. According to the French nonprofit Les Morts de la Rue, 30% of deaths involving the homeless population in France occur in the summer months. New buildings in France are incorporating ventilation systems designed to cool large spaces without relying on air conditioning. The town of Vénissieux installed 150 ceiling fans in buildings across the municipality. Some schools and office buildings in France are also planting rooftop green spaces as a method to cool structures. Haussmann buildings in French cities, however, are heritage-protected and require authorization for structural changes.