Heatwaves impact French tourism in Toulouse and Lot

Extreme heatwaves and changing consumer habits have led to a significant downturn in tourism across parts of France during the summer of 2026.

In Toulouse, outdoor activities were hit hardest, with some services like Tuk Tuks and city tours seeing declines between 15% and 30%. The local tourism office reported a 19% drop in visitors during July. While cultural sites like the Chapelle de La Grave and Aeroscopia saw growth or stability, many guided tours and outdoor excursions suffered due to high temperatures.

The Lot department experienced a similarly difficult season. Tourism professionals reported an 8% decrease in visitors in August compared to 2025, with total overnight stays down 9% for the first eight months of the year. While French visitor numbers declined, there was a notable increase in American tourists. Factors contributing to the slump include rising fuel prices, reduced purchasing power, forest fires, and heatwaves.