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Cine cool, free museums...: these Parisian initiatives that save us from the heatwave!

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The Editor

© Jagoda Bartus / Le Bonbon

With temperatures soaring more than 10°C above the seasonal average, Paris has turned into a real furnace… But to tackle this nightmare, the city of Paris has rolled out numerous cool-down measures. Whether it's to refresh us, reduce pollution, or protect vulnerable individuals, our city is doing everything it can to help us out, and that’s a delight!

Cool Cinema

In the 10th district, the city hall has launched a super useful and delightful initiative: Cool Cinema. This project aims to make movie screenings free for vulnerable people, including those under 25, seniors over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with reduced mobility at three independent cinemas. At Louxor, you can catch Ulysses by Laeticia Masson or The Dizziness by Quentin Dupieux. Otherwise, at l’Archipel and Brady, all screenings starting between 1 PM and 4 PM are included. Combining culture and coolness: that’s why this is the coolest initiative during the heatwave.

Cool Cinema
More info


Schoolyards and Town Halls Getting Involved

During really intense heat waves, like the one we’re experiencing right now, even schoolyards are being put to good use. Right now, 38 schoolyards are open on Saturdays until 7 PM, including 18 designated as oasis. This means they have been transformed to reduce the "urban heat island effect" thanks to vegetation, proper water management, and adapted infrastructure. There are also “cool rooms” available in the town halls. So, in case of a heatwave, why not treat yourself to a nostalgic trip back to childhood in one of the open schools?


Free Museums

As part of the action plans to combat the heatwave, several museums in Paris will open their doors for free to visitors looking for a bit of fresh air. This year, it's the Petit Palais, the National Museum of Immigration History, the Museum of the Liberation of Paris, and the Museum of Modern Art that will welcome Parisians during the heatwave. With this, there's no excuse not to go out and soak up some culture…

Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill – 8th

Museum of the Liberation of Paris
4, Avenue Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy – 14th

Musée d'Art Moderne
11, Avenue du Président Wilson – 16th

National Museum of Immigration History 
293, Avenue Daumesnil – 12th


Parks that close later... or not at all

Paris is home to over 550 parks, gardens, or squares. During heatwaves, they stay open 24/7 (unless stated otherwise by the city hall). With greenery, waterways, and fresh air, they are surely the best allies you can have when temperatures rise. And of course, no need to worry, these gardens are still monitored, even at night, to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Paris Garden Hours


Pools are getting in on the action too

It's not just the parks and gardens that are extending their hours to cope with the heat wave. To help you cool off, Parisian pools are extending their hours, sometimes until 11:30 PM. Whether you're starting your day, sneaking in between meetings, or unwinding after a long workday, you’ll switch to a whole new mindset with just one dive, we promise!

Swimming pool hours in Paris


Swimming Allowed in the Saint-Martin Canal

You already know it, everyone's talking about it: the Saint-Martin Canal is now open for swimming! While countless Parisians were already jumping from the Bichat footbridge, the city's mayor decided to listen to the locals and allow swimming in the canal. It is now monitored and therefore much safer.


Free Public Transport and Parking

Unfortunately, a heatwave also means a rise in pollution under the ozone. For this reason, the city of Paris has decided to make residential parking free, and is asking drivers to slow down by 20 km/h to limit emissions. Lastly, to help those who leave their cars behind, Île-de-France Mobilités has reinstated the anti-pollution pass for just 5.10 € per day for unlimited travel.


Emergency Number

Finally, an emergency heatwave number has been set up to get advice or help in case of a heat stroke. But to avoid having to call this number, don’t forget to stay hydrated before you feel thirsty, keep your windows closed during the day, and make the most of all these measures to try and beat the sweltering heat.

If you need assistance, contact 0800 06 66 66.