Lyon Schools Defy 40°C Heatwave: Officials Prioritize Student Well-being
Lyon, France – June 18, 2026 – As a significant heatwave grips Lyon and the Rhône region, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C, the city has announced that its 207 schools will remain open. This decision, contrary to actions taken by other municipalities such as Tours, where the mayor declared school closures at 40 degrees, comes amidst ongoing discussions about the safety and well-being of students in extreme heat conditions.
The announcement was made as the region entered an orange heatwave alert, effective from Thursday noon.
Why Schools Stay Open: A Matter of Home vs. School Conditions
Stéphanie Léger, Deputy Mayor for Education, articulated the city’s stance, stating, “Some children are certainly better off at school than in their homes, where it is even hotter, and interrupting educational continuity also disorganizes families.” This perspective particularly addresses families residing in poorly insulated homes, often referred to as ‘thermal sieves,’ where internal temperatures can soar even higher than outside.
The City of Lyon also underscored that the decision to close schools due to weather conditions ultimately rests with the State. The Ministry of National Education has indicated that in the event of a red heatwave alert, prefectural authorities may decide to temporarily close certain schools to ensure the safety of students and staff.
City Initiatives to Combat Heat in Schools
Lyon is actively engaged in the “freshness adventure” program, working collaboratively with the educational community to adapt practices during heatwaves. This includes identifying cool spaces within schools, prioritizing outdoor activities in parks, museums, or cinemas, and implementing emergency measures such as outdoor classes and cold meal services for children.
Furthermore, the city is committed to a comprehensive renovation of all schools by the end of the current mayor’s second term, projected for 2032. Mayor Grégory Doucet stated, “A third of the schools have already been renovated during the previous term, with care taken each time for both winter and summer comfort.” These renovations include thermal improvements such as electric shutters, double-flow ventilation, air circulators, external insulation, and classroom refurbishments.
In addition to structural improvements, Lyon is transforming schoolyards into green spaces. The municipality reports that 71 establishments now feature natural courtyards, encompassing 37 schools and 34 nurseries. This figure includes both older projects and those implemented since 2020.
Past Precedents and Future Plans
Last June, during a widespread heatwave across France, the academic directorate of Lyon granted parents the option to keep their children at home. This year’s approach emphasizes maintaining educational continuity while implementing adaptive measures within school environments.
The city’s strategy aims to balance the need for continuous education with the imperative to protect children from the adverse effects of extreme heat, particularly for those whose home environments offer less respite.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/canicule-malgre-les-40-c-annonnes-lyon-refuse-de-fermer-ses-ecoles-car-les-enfants-y-sont-mieux-que-chez-eux_64418816.html
