Free movie screenings, parks open 24 hours a day, and air-conditioned museums: these are the heatwave-mitigation measures Paris is implementing this summer
The heat wave in Paris is breaking records this June 2026, with temperatures exceeding seasonal averages by more than 10°C. In response to this oppressive heat, the city has implemented a series of concrete measures to protect Parisians and make the summer a little more bearable.
Ciné-clim: Culture and Coolness Come Together in the 10th Arrondissement
The 10th arrondissement city hall has launched the ” Ciné-clim” program, an initiative that is as useful as it is enjoyable. The movie screenings are free for vulnerable individuals—those under 25, those over 65, pregnant women, and people with limited mobility—at three independent movie theaters.
At the Luxor, you can see *Ulysse* by Laeticia Masson or *Le Vertige* by Quentin Dupieux. Atthe Archipel and the Brady, all screenings starting between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. are free of charge.
This makes it possible to combine culture and refreshment for those who need it most. It is undoubtedly the most original initiative of this Parisian heat wave.
Oasis Schoolyards and City Halls Join the Effort
During heat waves, 38 schoolyards are open on Saturdays until 7 p.m., including 18 designated “oases.” These spaces have been designed to mitigate the urban heat island effect through vegetation, effective water management, and appropriate infrastructure.
In addition, cooling centers are available at city halls throughout the capital. These spaces offer a simple, free refuge for anyone looking to escape the heat for a few hours.
“We’ve gained dozens of degrees […] it used to cost 1 million, but now it’s just a few hundred thousand euros—it’s not expensive at all,” says the Socialist mayor of Paris Centre.
Free museums where you can cool off while learning something new
In response to the heat wave in Paris, several museums are offering free admission. This year, four museums are participating in the initiative and welcoming visitors looking for a cool place to escape the heat.
Here are the museums that offer free admission during heat waves:
- Petit Palais – Avenue Winston Churchill, 8th arrondissement
- Paris Museum of the Liberation – 4 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 14th arrondissement
- Museum of Modern Art – 11 Avenue du Président Wilson, 16th arrondissement
- National Museum of the History of Immigration – 293 Avenue Daumesnil, 12th arrondissement
- Ciné-clim at the Louxor, the Archipel, and the Brady —free screenings for vulnerable audiences
As a result, there’s no longer any excuse to stay cooped up at home. These air-conditioned venues offer a real breath of fresh air, while also providing an opportunity for cultural enrichment.
Parks open 24 hours a day and swimming pools with extended hours
Paris is home to more than 550 parks, gardens, and public squares. During severe heat waves, they remain open 24 hours a day, unless otherwise directed by city hall. These green spaces are monitored even at night to ensure that the initiative runs smoothly.
Swimming pools are adapting as well. Their hours have been extended, sometimes until 11:30 p.m. The Jacqueline Auriol Swimming Pool, for example, offers evening sessions and extended hours on weekdays to cope with the heat.
So, whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, everyone has access to a cool space. These amenities make a real difference in getting through even the toughest days.
Swimming in the canal, free public transportation and parking amid the heat wave in Paris
Swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin is now permitted and supervised. While many Parisians were already jumping into the water from the Bichat footbridge, the city has now made this very popular activity official and ensured its safety.
In addition, the heat wave in Paris has been accompanied by a rise in ozone pollution. In response, residential parking has been made free, and drivers are being asked to reduce their speed by 20 km/h to limit emissions.
In addition, Île-de-France Mobilités has reinstated the anti-pollution pass at €5.10 per day, with unlimited trips. This pass allows people to leave their cars in the garage without facing financial penalties.
In the event of a heat wave, a heat wave emergency hotline is available at 0800 06 66 66 for advice or assistance. However, the most important thing to do during this heat wave in Paris is to remember to stay hydrated before you get thirsty and to keep your windows closed during the day.
