Eiffel Tower Closure Threw A Wrench in Summer Travel Plans

Thousands of tourists had their Paris plans upended as record heat forced the Eiffel Tower to scale back access.

If Paris is on your summer travel list, you might want to double-check your itinerary. The Eiffel Tower’s summit, the highest and most iconic viewing platform in the city, was closed through July 2 due to an extreme heatwave that gripped the French capital.

In a surprise move, operators announced the closure last week, citing safety concerns for visitors and staff. Lower levels of the tower remained open, but access to the top was suspended, leaving many tourists scrambling to rearrange plans.

“Due to the current heatwave, the Eiffel Tower is taking measures to ensure the comfort and safety of our visitors and staff,” read a statement posted to the landmark’s official Instagram account. 

Ticket holders will receive automatic refunds for summit access or guided tours. Ultimately, the iconic landmark was able to reopen when things cooled down.

Paris was one of 16 French regions under a red alert, the highest level of heat warning issued by the national weather service, Yahoo reported. Temperatures soared across the country, part of a broader European heatwave that was driven by a dangerous combo of atmospheric extremes. However, it finally broke, allowing for cooler weather to give relief to citizens and tourists alike.

The marine heatwave in the Mediterranean pushed water temperatures nearly 9 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Combined with a heat dome pulling scorching air up from North Africa, the result was brutal and unrelenting.

The Eiffel Tower’s summit closure was just one highly visible example of how climate extremes are now impacting even the most well-worn travel routes. European cities are bracing for more weather-driven disruptions.

For travelers heading abroad this summer, flexibility might be just as important as a passport. Iconic destinations like Paris may look picture-perfect online, but the new reality on the ground is more complicated. 

If you have travel plans this summer, be sure to check the weather and the Eiffel Tower before you go, and have a plan B in case of extreme weather.