As France grapples with an unprecedented heatwave, schools across the country are facing temporary closures to protect students and staff from the scorching temperatures. With Météo-France placing 84 departments on orange alert for heatwave, local authorities are making tough decisions on whether to keep educational institutions open or shut them down prematurely.

In the Vaucluse department, several municipalities including Carpentras and Bollène have decided to close their primary and nursery schools. The decision comes as temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C during the day, with minimal relief at night. Alternative arrangements such as air-conditioned leisure centers and free access to swimming pools and libraries have been made to ensure children's safety and comfort.

The situation is similar in other parts of France, with reports of students being 'listless' due to the extreme heat. In the Sarthe region, parents and teachers are calling for better insulation in schools to cope with future heatwaves. Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Élisabeth Borne, has emphasized the need for pragmatic, case-by-case decisions, acknowledging the challenges faced by parents in organizing childcare at short notice.

With approximately 200 schools out of 45,000 nationwide announcing closures, the phenomenon remains relatively rare. However, the current heatwave has sparked a broader discussion on the adaptability of school infrastructure to climate change and the need for clear guidelines to help local authorities make informed decisions during extreme weather events.