France is now in the grip of its fifth heatwave of the summer of 2026 - although sometimes it's hard to tell when one ended and the next one began. So when will this one peak?
After weeks of intense heatwaves, France is facing a severe drought that is putting increasing pressure on the country's water supplies. So are we really likely to see the taps run dry?
Nearly 70 percent of France is subject to water-use restrictions - and 30,000 people have lost their drinking water supplies - as drought conditions worsen amid successive heatwaves, the government said on Monday.
With scorching temperatures breaking records across Europe this summer, The Local has put together tried and tested tips for surviving heatwaves from southern Europe, where locals have had decades of practice coping with the heat.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels an historic summer of heat, drought and wildfires across the region, the EU's global warming monitor said Monday.
France's searing heatwaves can also bring with them some hot, sticky and uncomfortable nights - so here are some tips from experts to help you sleep when it's hot.
Forecasters on Monday extended orange heatwave alerts to 22 départements in central and south-eastern France, up from 13 on Sunday as the fifth ‘canicule’ of the summer extends its grip on the country.
Two thirds of départements in France are suffering such severe drought that 'crisis' level water restrictions have been imposed. From gardens to swimming pools and drinking water - here's what those restrictions mean for households.
From conspiracy theories to attempts to blame Green politicians, the blame game for the French wildfires has begun - writes John Lichfield - and is likely to continue until next year's elections.
South-east France is still in the grip of the fourth heatwave of the summer – but the rest of the country is due to plough straight into a fifth in a few days, with temperatures expected to top 40C in the south and 35C in the north.
Following a spate of drownings this summer, France has announced an increase in fines for people caught swimming in prohibited areas or ignoring red flag warnings.
Summers in France have always been hot, especially in the south, so do the latest wave of extreme weather warnings really mark a rise in temperatures? Or just a change in weather forecasting techniques and media attention?
July was the hottest month ever recorded in France since measurements began in 1900, surpassing previous records set during the heatwaves of August 2003 and July 2006, the country's weather service said on Tuesday.
After a 52-hour drive, Ukrainian firefighters on Monday joined operations to fully extinguish the wildfire that devastated the Gironde region in southwestern France -- an unprecedented mobilisation in the country.
France has already experienced devastating wildfires in 2026 and we're only halfway through the summer - so what steps should you take if you live in France or own property there?
The photo has gone around the world as the defining image of French wildfires, and of the climate crisis - but who took it, where is it and what does it actually show?
Will this summer's repeated fatal heatwaves and enormous wildfires cause French politicians to get serious about tackling climate change? Don't bet on it, says John Lichfield.
Whether you’re an individual or business in need of immediate aid or longer term assistance following the wildfires, here’s where you can turn for help.
Fire-ravaged south west France experienced its "first somewhat optimistic day" on Thursday since wildfires broke out more than a week ago, a top local official said.
As firefighters struggle to contain some of the worst European wildfires in living memory with reduced numbers of aerial water bombers, production of the iconic aircraft creaks along half a world away in a Canadian factory.
More and more tourists from southern Europe – particularly France and Spain – are heading to Sweden to experience a cooler summer, according to new data from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Development.
France's wildfire situation showed signs of easing on Thursday morning, with officials reporting calmer conditions across several major fire zones and rain arriving to dampen the flames.
As wildfires continue to disrupt parts of south-west France during the height of the summer holidays, many travellers are wondering if they should cancel and, if so, whether they will get their money back.
The scent of cinder lingered in the air as Michael Elicegui sipped a coffee on a cafe terrasse after returning to his French village following a wildfire.
