STORY: Locals and tourists in the city were seen cooling off in cafes, and dipping their feet in water fountains.

Temperatures in many of France's areas hit 40 C for the first time this year on Thursday (June 16) and were expected to peak on Saturday, climbing to 41-42 C.

State forecaster Meteo France said a “severe and early heat wave,” caused by a mass of hot air moving from north Africa, was settling in, describing its timing as “unseen.”

The heatwave is set to ease from Sunday.