With temperatures soaring up to 38°C, Lyon is getting ready to adapt. Since noon on Thursday, June 18, the Rhône has been under an orange heatwave alert. This situation has led the City of Lyon to strengthen its summer plan to protect residents from this overwhelming heat that is expected to be particularly intense throughout the weekend. While the Music Festival is still on, authorities are urging the people of Lyon to be extra cautious: regular hydration, limiting physical activities during the hottest hours, and seeking out air-conditioned places are the key words for the coming days.
Free Museums and Nighttime at the Parc de la Tête d'Or
Great news for culture enthusiasts: several municipal museums are opening their doors for free for three days. From Saturday, June 20 to Monday, June 22, visitors can enjoy the air-conditioned areas of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Gadagne Museum, and the Museum of…Contemporary Art. A wonderful initiative that allows you to discover Lyon's collections while escaping the outdoor furnace for a few hours. A rather elegant way to swap the air conditioning in your living room for a few masterpieces.
The big green spaces in Lyon are also extending their hours so residents can enjoy more bearable temperatures in the evening. The Parc de la Tête d’Or will remain exceptionally open until 11:30 PM, while the Blandan and Gerland parks will welcome visitors until midnight. A measure that will surely delight lovers of night strolls, impromptu picnics, or simply those seeking a breath of fresh air after a day spent under the scorching sun.
Over 700 cool spots identified throughout the city
The City of Lyon is also strengthening its "Coolness Goal" initiative with a mapping system.Update on spaces accessible for free. More than 700 cool spots are now listed across the metropolis : libraries, municipal facilities, green courtyards, shaded areas, gardens, parks, and air-conditioned buildings.
The goal is simple : to help everyone quickly find a cool refuge nearby. Because when Lyon turns into a real open-air oven, every shady spot becomes a little urban treasure. Combining culture, nature, and refreshing spaces, the capital of Gaul is working to make this heatwave a bit more bearable for everyone.