Drought

Summer-like temperatures to return to France this weekend

Dry conditions are set to continue across much of the country as highs reach 30C in the south

Warm, sunny weather across France this weekend; rain forecast in north

The prolonged lack of rain is likely to deepen drought concerns as temperatures rise

Dripping chrome tap beside an inset map of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Drought: 64,000 people in France remain without tap water

Millions remain affected by water usage restrictions following record summer drought

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Water restrictions in France set to last into autumn as drought deepens

Garden watering, pool filling: map shows latest crisis restrictions

French mayor raises water prices sevenfold to curb consumption

Many areas across France are now at crisis level for water - see our map

France’s groundwater levels continue to fall, with 92% of sites affected

Dry conditions are putting pressure on groundwater reserves – see the levels in your area on our map

Where are France’s nuclear power plants - and how many are out of action due to drought or heatwaves?

High temperatures and low water levels can force reactors to reduce output or shut down

Tap water restrictions increase in France: 57 departments on ‘crisis’ alert

Millions see highest restrictions as threat of tap water being cut off looms

France’s historic drought: most underground reservoirs at below-average levels

July 2026 saw water levels drop in 94% of aquifers

Man arranges bottled water at a distribution point in Montsalvy during France’s 2022 drought.

40,000 people in France see water cut off: what to do if it happens to you

Plus, worst-hit areas and authorities step up enforcement as water shortages increase

Heatwave pushes up fruit and vegetable prices across France

From smaller apples to ruined vegetables, growers are struggling as the heat takes its toll on production

Can I reuse shower or washing-up water in my French garden during drought?

Recent rule changes look to improve water recycling but systems face strict rules

French drought update: all departments face tap water limits or warnings

There are 48 departments where toughest restrictions are in place as new heatwave only set to worsen historic drought

Heatwaves, fires, drought: how serious is France’s water crisis?

See the latest on tap water restrictions across France

France facing ‘exceptional’ early drought, almost all departments on drought alert

Waterways and aquifers affected by intense heat despite strong spring rainfall

Water-use restrictions lifted for some households in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Rainfall replenishes reservoirs but bans still remain in northern areas

Canal du Midi closed to boats until March due to low water levels

Extended drought in the south of France means boating only permitted under exceptional circumstances

Water restrictions extended in southern French department as drought continues

Pyrénées-Orientales remains in a state of drought as groundwater levels continue to fall

Map: what are France's groundwater levels at start of autumn 2025 ?

Water-saving measures were in place throughout the summer

Map: French water tables by department at end of summer

Only one department is at very low levels

Red drought alerts raised in south-west France: restrictions on water usage in place

Obtaining water from natural sources is now banned

Heatwaves and drought in France: wildfire warnings multiply for summer 2025

Dried-out soil raises risk of blazes spreading rapidly, but they can be hard to predict due to their human origin

New water restrictions in France: which areas are affected and what changes for residents

Warnings are being raised from north to south with the exception of the south-west (for now)

Drought alerts in France: where residents should look out for water restrictions

Use our interactive map to see where drought warnings increased last month

Where drought alerts apply in France and what restrictions you may face

More areas issued with warnings and restrictions - including hosepipe bans - as new heatwave arrives

Map: Latest water restrictions across France and how public is affected

A dry spring in the north has left many areas under drought alert

French garden: choose drought tolerant daisies and echinacea

Cathy Thompson tells us why she is hooked on the grassland plants of the North American prairie

Why the cost of water is rising for homes across France

Factors including inflation and increased anti-pollution measures have been blamed

Drought alerts raised in France: where is impacted?

A lack of rainfall means some water tables are at low levels, see any restrictions in your area

Price of water for homes in Lyon now depends on how much you use

The system aims to reduce consumption but is not without issues

Tap water cut for 16 hours a day due to drought in south of France village

Local businesses and holidaymakers say restrictions make it too difficult to stay in area

300 French communes declared disaster zones for floods and drought

The declaration means catastrophe naturelle insurance funds can be unlocked

French Senate rejects drought damage bill

Proposal to ease claims for drought-related property damage thrown out, leaving millions at risk

First water restrictions of 2024 in two departments of south-west France

High temperatures and a lack of rainfall have caused water levels to drop

Why are water mega-reservoirs the cause of so much tension in France?

Controversy has erupted again ahead of major planned protests this weekend, with 3,000 police on alert

Why have olive oil prices shot up in France? How long will it last?

A supermarket bottle of the ‘liquid gold’ can now cost up to €10 or more

How do I see if any drought rules are affecting my French home?

Restrictions can greatly impact the use of water

The Pont Neuf In Toulouse on a sunny summer day

Tap water fees for homes to be seasonal in Toulouse

The ‘innovative’ measure will see prices rise 42% in summer; critics say it is unfair

Wet winter eases France’s water crisis but south logs record drought

Stark regional differences in rainfall and a leaky pipe network leave some areas at risk of drought this summer

Crisis level for drought already in place in areas of south of France

Restrictions already place limits on filling pools and cleaning cars

Can planning permission be rejected in France due to water shortages?

Some communes have tried to ban new building work to protect supplies

Several villages in south of France without tap water due to drought

40 communes are now under surveillance and could run out of water at any moment. It is the first time this has happened in winter

Lack of snow hangs over school holiday ski season in Pyrénées

Ski stations are closing temporarily. Low snow levels also increase drought woes

Temperatures to reach June levels in south of France this week

Highs of over 25C are expected breaking seasonal records

99 extra French communes declared drought disaster zones for 2022

People with affected properties have 30 days to make insurance claim

Rainwater overflowing from the tiled roofs and gutters of an old brick house in France

Record rain refills water table in France but issues remain for 2024

As of December 1, rainfall had refilled almost half to ‘above-average’ levels for the season

Rules for guttering and collecting rainwater in France

Regulations include the style of gutters allowed, how you can use collected rainwater, and the distance gutters should be to neighbouring properties

Can I install a grey water recycling system in French home?

Partner article: We look at the rules for wastewater systems in your home.

What is France's 'drought' website VigiEau?

You can type in your address to find out whether you can do things like fill your swimming pool or water the garden

Reusing household water to flush toilets may get green light in France

A new law is expected to relax rules on greywater use as government tries to combat effects of drought

Trials start to reduce drought crack risk in millions of French homes

Four construction technologies will be tested over five years as one expert calls the problem a ‘timebomb’

A view of a serious crack in the outside of a house

More French communes declared as 2022 drought natural disaster zones

People affected now have one month to declare any property damage to their insurer

Court cancels two water ‘megabasin’ projects in western France

The controversial reservoirs were ‘not associated with any real water-saving measures,’ it ruled

More ‘crisis’ level drought alerts in France, water reserves stay low

Residents are asked to check if and what restrictions apply to them

Visit: stunning dry garden in Aude wakes up like spring in Autumn

Two horticulturists experimented with minimal watering and created a beautiful garden packed full of the toughest plants

A view of a kitchen tap with water running

Part of Brittany put on drought alert, residents asked to save water

It comes after a significant lack of rainfall over the summer

Why peanuts and pistachios are the future of French farming

Farmers must grow completely different crops adapted to extreme weather, says scientist

Eco news: French town paints grass green, €10bn needed for forests

Why parched grass in the south of France has been painted and the Minister of Agriculture has been called ‘stubborn’

France to support industrial sites in bid to hit water saving target

The government hopes to reduce water use by 10% by 2030 and pledges to work with high-use companies

1,000 ‘drought disaster zones’ named in France: what to do if affected

The damage can cover cracks in walls and foundations due to movements in the ground

A view of a chrome shower head running water

Drought: French city to give water-saving shower heads to residents

The devices will be distributed for free and can save up to 40% of water, say authorities

Water restrictions not used effectively during France’s drought

The rules were brought in too late and cannot be enforced, say experts

France drought: checks find hundreds breaking water usage rules

6,000 checks have been carried out this year and will continue into autumn. Those breaking rules risk fines of up to €1,500 (€7,500 for businesses)

Protestors gather in Paris against the violence at the Sainte-Soline mega-reservoir

Eco-protest convoy of tractors and bikes to travel through France

A new protest against the controversial ‘mega-reservoirs’ will set off for Paris this week

Summer rain has not helped France’s low groundwater levels - minister

More than 30 departments are also on crisis alert for drought

A close-up view of a drop of water coming from a kitchen tap

Drought: 100 French communes without constant source of drinking water

Almost 30,000 people are affected

French town’s drought ‘solution’: painting its dried-out grass green!

Grass in Mandelieu-la-Napoule near Cannes is being coated with an organic dye that also helps to replenish it with nutrients

A colour-coded map of France showing the current drought restrictions

Map: Find out the water restrictions in your part of France

From bans on watering your garden to filling your swimming pool, see what rules are in place

Drought damage claims could get easier due to reforms and Météo-France

The weather reporter is changing how it supplies data for ‘natural catastrophe’ declarations

How do French authorities check people are not breaking drought rules?

Learn how authorities enforce water usage restrictions during drought conditions

Drought-damage hotspots, new home nightmare: 5 French property updates

Plus a notaire’s costly mistake in measuring a property and more signs of a property market slowdown

France drought rules: Do they stop me topping up my swimming pool?

With droughts set to hit France hard again this year, we look at what is and is not allowed when it comes to private swimming pools

How bad is the drought in France? See restrictions in your department

See the breakdown of the departments under drought warnings, alerts and crisis-level alerts

Home damage, wildfires: How warmer climate is forecast to alter France

Axa Climate has released predictions of how climate change could change France by 2050

Dordogne’s €50 grant for water butts: What help in my part of France?

Some parts of France are offering financial help to buy rainwater collectors to ease the pressure on water supplies