PARIS, June 18 – A severe heatwave gripping France has led to the cancellation of multiple cultural and sporting events across the country, with temperatures projected to surpass 40°C on Sunday, June 21. The decision to call off these gatherings, including a marathon in Paris and several Fête de la Musique concerts, underscores a proactive approach by authorities to safeguard public health amidst the extreme weather conditions.
Paris Marathon Among Major Cancellations
In Paris, the Ekiden du Stade Français, a relay marathon set to depart from Stade Jean-Bouin, has been cancelled following recommendations from the police prefecture. This decision was made “due to the scorching temperatures announced for Sunday, June 21,” as stated by the organizers.
Similarly, the Fête du Vélo in Anjou, scheduled for Sunday, June 21, between Angers and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil (Maine-et-Loire), has also been called off. Organizers cited the need “to protect all involved and not risk overloading emergency and health services” as the primary reason for this difficult decision.
Fête de la Musique Concerts Also Affected
The Fête de la Musique, a popular annual music festival, will see several of its concerts cancelled across various regions. In Île-de-France, specifically Claye-Souilly (Seine-et-Marne), authorities opted for a complete cancellation “for the safety of artists, volunteers, mobilized agents, and the entire public.”
Brive, in Corrèze, also announced the cancellation of all its Fête de la Musique events, citing the “episode of high temperatures” and the need to “guarantee the safety of the public, artists, municipal agents, and volunteers.” Similar cancellations have been reported in Thouars (Deux-Sèvres), Pré-en-Pail (Mayenne), Le Teich (Gironde), Écommoy (Sarthe), and Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente (Charente-Maritime).
In Angers, while the Fête de la Musique is largely maintained, one concert scheduled from 2 PM to midnight has been postponed, and another, initially planned for the cool environment of the Collégiale Saint-Martin, was cancelled by the department. The city of Angers has emphasized the availability of fountains and water bars in certain squares to help attendees stay hydrated.
Other Sporting Events Scrapped
Beyond the Ekiden, other sporting events have also fallen victim to the heatwave. The 2026 edition of the Trail du Noble Joué in Indre-et-Loire has been cancelled for Sunday. The Foulées des bords de Loire, which was to take place on the same day in Sainte-Luce-sur-Loire (Loire-Atlantique) with 1,100 registered runners, has also been called off. This comes after recent incidents during a previous heatwave in May, where two deaths and dozens of accidents occurred in the running community, highlighting the serious risks of exercising in extreme heat.
Government Emphasizes Local Decision-Making
Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Minister Delegate for the Interior, stated on France Info that there is “no principled desire to cancel events, but there is a desire to be ready and anticipate.” She added that “decisions are local because temperatures and situations differ from one municipality to another,” echoing remarks made by Health Minister Stéphanie Rist to RTL earlier in the week.
Despite the widespread cancellations, some major events are proceeding with precautions. Bruno Mars’ concerts at the Stade de France, scheduled for Thursday, June 18, Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, are currently maintained. However, attendees are advised to “bring their water bottles” and “not arrive too early to limit exposure” to the high temperatures. The Stade de France also confirmed the presence of medical teams on site and urged concert-goers to seek assistance if they experience any discomfort or malaise.
The current heatwave has prompted Météo France to issue warnings, reminding the public that “the health of vulnerable populations can be affected from the first heat peaks, and the health of the population as a whole can be affected during a severe heatwave.”
The impact of the heatwave extends beyond event cancellations, with reports of delayed landings at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport due to a storm, and a tragic death of a 30-year-old man on an athletics track in Ermont, Val-d’Oise. Local authorities are also implementing measures such as air-conditioned prefabricated classrooms and early morning sports activities in schools, and the SNCF has cancelled 71 Intercités trains due to the heat.
Source: https://www.leparisien.fr/meteo/canicule-fete-de-la-musique-marathon-a-paris-trail-plusieurs-evenements-annules-dimanche-en-prevision-des-fortes-chaleurs-18-06-2026-7AU5GYK4GJHBJO3YV72OWKAE6U.php
