The severe heatwave sweeping France on Tuesday forced the early closures of top Paris tourist hotspots the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and left disappointed visitors sweltering with little respite.

PARIS -- The Eiffel Tower in Paris closed early on Tuesday due to forecast high temperatures, according to an official alert issued by the landmark's management.

France recorded its hottest day ever as an early heat wave gripped Europe. The high temperatures on Tuesday prompted the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum to restrict visiting…