The Collège Chevreul in Angers, France, will close its doors to students at 2 p.m. on June 18 and 19, 2026, as the region of Maine-et-Loire grapples with an intensifying heatwave, according to a notice sent to parents. This decision reflects growing concerns over extreme temperatures, which have already pushed local authorities to implement emergency measures. The move aligns with broader national guidelines for protecting students during heatwaves, but it also highlights the increasing frequency of such disruptions in a climate-changing world.
How the Heatwave Policy in French Schools Evolves
French schools have long had protocols for extreme weather, but the 2026 heatwave marks a turning point in how regional authorities balance safety with educational continuity. The Ministry of Education’s 2023 directive advises schools to adjust schedules or close during temperatures exceeding 31°C (87.8°F), a threshold that Maine-et-Loire has exceeded for multiple days. In 2023, the department recorded 12 days above 30°C, compared to an average of 5.5 days in the 2000s, according to Météo-France.
Local officials in Angers emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly. “We prioritize student well-being, but we also recognize the impact on families and teachers,” said Sylvie Dufresne, mayor of Angers. “This is a precautionary measure, not a permanent solution.” The closure affects approximately 400 students at Collège Chevreul, though many schools in the region have adopted staggered schedules or indoor cooling measures instead.
Climate Change and the Rising Cost of Heatwaves
The 2026 heatwave is part of a trend that scientists have linked to global warming. A 2025 study by the Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace found that France’s summer temperatures have risen by 1.8°C since the 1960s, with heatwaves becoming 10 times more likely. “This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about health,” said Dr. Laurent Moreau, a climatologist at the French National Center for Scientific Research. “Children are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, and prolonged exposure can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and even long-term cognitive effects.”
The economic toll of such events is also mounting. The French government estimated that the 2023 heatwave cost the education sector €120 million in lost instructional time and emergency measures. While schools in Maine-et-Loire have not yet released financial details, the 2026 closures could add to these costs, especially for rural districts with limited resources.
Comparative Strategies: France vs. Neighboring Countries
France’s approach to school closures during heatwaves differs from that of neighboring countries. In Spain, for example, many schools implement “cooling hours” between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., a practice endorsed by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Germany, meanwhile, has invested in green infrastructure, with over 70% of primary schools now equipped with shaded areas or air-cooling systems, according to a 2024 report by the Federal Ministry of Education.
France’s strategy remains more reactive. “We’re still catching up,” admitted Marc Lefevre, a policy analyst at the Paris Institute of Political Studies. “While other European nations have integrated climate resilience into school design, France is largely responding to crises as they arise.”
What Comes Next for Maine-et-Loire?
As the heatwave persists, officials are considering long-term solutions. The Maine-et-Loire prefecture has announced plans to fund solar-powered cooling systems for 15 schools by 2027, a move praised by environmental groups. However, some parents and teachers argue that more immediate steps are needed. “We’ve had three days of 34°C this week,” said Marie Dubois, a parent at Collège Chevreul. “Closing at 2 p.m. helps, but it’s not enough when the heat lingers into the evening.”
The situation underscores a broader challenge: how to adapt education systems to a rapidly changing climate. With the 2026 heatwave already breaking records, the decisions made in Maine-et-Loire could serve as a blueprint—or a warning—for other regions facing similar threats.
