The Eiffel Tower has been at the centre of a major controversy after staff went on strike over allegations that female employees were sidelined during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation. Staff representatives allege that some women were asked to leave their posts, while others were reportedly replaced by male colleagues. They also claim female employees were instructed to avoid certain areas while the delegation was present.

A massive wildfire has erupted in the historic Fontainebleau Forest, just 70 kilometres from Paris, forcing evacuations, shutting highways and disrupting train services. Hundreds of firefighters and water-bombing aircraft have been deployed as France battles one of its largest fires amid a severe heatwave. The blaze comes as much of Europe faces extreme temperatures, with wildfires, evacuations and record-breaking heat spreading across France, Spain and Italy.