Authorities in France say a severe heatwave has led to a spike in drownings as people try to cool off. The heat is also forcing tourist spots and event organizers to curtail operations to protect visitors.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez says 139 people have drowned in rivers or other bodies of water since June 19.

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and other facilities are closing earlier. Many regions reported temperatures topping 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday, with Pissos in the southwest recording 42.3 degrees.

The temperatures prompted the Tour de France, the world's most prestigious bicycle race, to shorten the route of one stage by 30 kilometers.

The AFP news agency says it is the first time in the event's history for that to happen.

French weather authorities are issuing further heatstroke alerts, saying the soaring temperatures will continue at least until the middle of this week.

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