Visitor attractions in the UK and France, including Tower Bridge and the Louvre museum, have closed their doors as a record-breaking heatwave sweeps across western Europe.
Also closed to guests are the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Young V&A in London, as France registers its hottest day ever and the UK experiences record heat for June.
Starting in Paris, the Louvre closed at 4pm on 24 June and will remain shut through 27 June, the website says.
Tower Bridge closed on 24 June "due to the red weather warning in London" and plans to reopen on 26 June
Via France 24, the Louvre said rising temperatures in the city have made "visiting and working conditions difficult during the hottest hours of the day".
As for the Eiffel Tower, the tourist attraction is adjusting its operations and said it would "exceptionally close" at 4pm on 24, 25 and 26 June.
"Remember to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. Water fountains are available in the walkways leading to the plaza," the Eiffel Tower's website reads.
UK zoos close
In the UK, Tower Bridge closed on 24 June and remains shut today (25 June) "due to the red weather warning in London". The attraction plans to reopen on 26 June.
The Young V&A museum closed on 23 June "due to extreme weather" and will reopen at 10am on 27 June. "We're very sorry for the disruption and thank you for your understanding," the website says.
Across the UK, sites including Chester Zoo and Longleat are closing at 2pm today. Chester Zoo said its team of keepers will "make sure all of the animals and plants are safely cared for".
Longleat said the early closure is in response to "the extreme temperatures forecast and to ensure the welfare of staff, animals and guests".
Climate change is pushing temperatures higher across the globe, particularly in Europe, which is the fastest-warming continent, according to the Copernicus climate service (via the BBC).
As a result, Europe is facing severe summer heatwaves, growing strain on water resources, and an increased risk of wildfires.
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