Paris: France recorded 817 'excess deaths' between July 27 and August 20 during a period of high temperatures, with at least 751 involving those aged 75 and older, the Health Ministry reported on Wednesday, according to the Le Monde newspaper.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sante publique France, the country's national public health agency, stated that 'this excess all-cause mortality concerns almost exclusively people aged 75 and over, with at least 751 excess deaths.' It was further noted that 'all regions were affected,' except Normandy and Occitanie.

The total number of excess deaths during heat-wave periods since late May has now surpassed 7,300, as per Sante publique France. The agency recorded 1,243 excess deaths between July 3 and 22 and 5,764 between June 17 and July 2.

'The final estimate of consolidated excess all-cause mortality for the entire summer, broken down by heat wave, will be presented in the summer assessment produced after the surveillance period,' Sante publique France stated. Additionally, during the first heat wave episode of the year, between May 24 and 28, the agency recorded 300 deaths.

The previous assessments were based on preliminary, unconsolidated mortality data. During the June 17 to July 2 heat wave, individuals aged 75 and older accounted for about two-thirds of the excess deaths, while they represented three-quarters of the total during the July 3 to 22 period.

Sante publique France concluded that 'these impacts highlight the importance of implementing management and prevention measures to reduce the impact of heat on populations, without waiting to observe health impacts.' France experienced an exceptionally hot summer in 2026, with the season described as the hottest ever recorded in the country, according to data from Meteo-France.