Mountain Retreats: France's Cool Havens Amidst 2025 Heatwave
Mountain sites in France provide essential cool retreats during the heatwave.
Key Points
- • 84 departments in France on orange alert due to heatwave
- • Temperatures exceed 40°C in parts of France
- • Six mountain sites recorded temperatures below 20°C
- • Aiguille du Midi is the coldest spot at 12.2°C
As France endures a scorching heatwave, with 84 departments on orange alert due to soaring temperatures exceeding 40°C in regions like Ardèche and Aude, many are seeking refuge in the mountains. On June 29, 2025, six mountain sites were reported to remain below 20°C, offering a stark contrast to the sweltering heat experienced in lower altitudes.
The Aiguille du Midi, perched at 3845 meters, recorded the coldest temperature at just 12.2°C, making it a prime destination for those looking to escape the relentless heat. Following closely, the glacier du Pisaillas at 3119 meters, offering summer skiing, reached 13.6°C. Down in the Pyrenees, the Pic du Midi's observatory recorded 15.4°C at 2880 meters, providing stunning views and stargazing opportunities.
Other notable cooler spots included La Masse at 17.3°C, col de Jaffueil at 18.7°C, and col du Mont-Cenis at 19.7°C. These mountain retreats have become increasingly vital as the heatwave continues, with visitors seeking the refreshing relief they provide. However, as the situation progresses, the list of cooler sites may decrease further, underscoring the importance of these mountain areas during this extreme weather event.