French health authorities say a record-breaking heatwave that swept across much of the country has resulted in around 1,000 excess deaths, with older people accounting for the vast majority of fatalities.

In a statement on Sunday, Public Health France said approximately 1,000 additional deaths had been recorded since June 24 compared to expected mortality levels.

The agency noted that the hardest-hit areas were those placed under the highest, red-level heat alert, with 85 per cent of the deaths involving people aged 65 and above.

It added that the most significant increase in fatalities occurred among people who died at home, particularly in the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris and its surrounding suburbs.

“This observation serves as a reminder of the need for measures of solidarity toward people who are isolated or experiencing profound loneliness, including in highly urbanised areas,” the agency said.

Public Health France stressed that the figures remain preliminary and could rise as more data become available.

The intense heatwave, which pushed temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in several parts of the country, began easing on Sunday after days of extreme weather across France and much of western Europe.