Key facts
- France recorded at least 5,764 excess deaths between June 17 and July 2.
- The excess mortality rate was the highest since 2003.
- Excess deaths occurred across all age groups from 15 upward, an unprecedented finding.
- Individuals aged 75 and over accounted for around two-thirds of the provisional death toll.
- Deaths increased in hospitals, private homes, and nursing homes, with nearly half occurring in hospitals.
France recorded at least 5,764 excess deaths between June 17 and July 2, marking the country's deadliest heat event since 2003. The total number of deaths during this period was 21,674, compared to an expected 15,910, resulting in an excess mortality rate of 36%. This figure has been sharply increased from earlier estimates. For the first time, excess mortality was observed across all age groups from 15 upward, demonstrating the exceptional intensity and duration of the heat exposure. Individuals aged 75 and over accounted for approximately two-thirds of the excess deaths, but significant increases were also noted among younger adults. Deaths rose in hospitals, private homes, and nursing homes, with nearly half occurring in hospitals. Preliminary data from Western European countries estimated over 4,000 additional deaths during the heatwave.