Disneyland Paris, other French attractions close as COVID-19 cases surge in France

Disneyland Paris said it would close Thursday as France locked down amid a surge in coronavirus cases, and other French tourist attractions were all but certain to shut their doors.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a full, nationwide lockdown starting Thursday and lasting until Dec. 1, though he said schools would remain open.

In a statement posted to Twitter Thursday, Disneyland Paris characterized the closure as "temporary."

"In anticipation of the Christmas holiday season, we will be taking reservations from December 19 - January 3 and hope to be open based on prevailing conditions and government guidance at that time," the theme park's statement said.

Around Europe:As COVID-19 surges, European leaders impose new lockdowns and curfews

The Louvre in Paris said on its website Thursday that it would close until Dec. 1.

The Musée d'Orsay museum in Paris also announced its closure on Thursday.

"From tomorrow, Friday 30 October, in accordance with government directives, the Musée d'Orsay will remain closed until further notice," the museum posted on Twitter.

The Centre Pompidou, a contemporary and modern art museum in Paris, said it would close at 8 p.m. Thursday.

"We are looking forward to welcoming you back very soon," the museum said on Twitter.

The Palace of Versailles said on Twitter that it would shut its doors by the end of Thursday.

"In accordance with government directives, the Palace of Versailles, the Grand and the Petit Trianon will close their doors from this evening," the palace said. "Visitors who have purchased a ticket for this time will be reimbursed."

Air travel to and from France will be disrupted, as well. Charles de Gaulle Airport posted on its website that the French government would begin restricting travel on Friday to "imperative and professional reasons."

"Up to and including Sunday 1 November 2020, flights to Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly will be operated as normal to allow holiday returns from France and abroad," the airport said.

Macron's decision to impose a national lockdown came just days after the government imposed a curfew covering an estimated 46 million people.

France has the fifth-highest number of coronavirus cases worldwide, with nearly 1.3 million, according to Johns Hopkins University. Nearly 36,000 people have died.

With over 520 deaths recorded Tuesday, the French leader said the measurewould be the only possible way to successfully fight COVID-19.

“We are submerged by the sudden acceleration of the virus,” he said in a national televised address. France has been “overpowered by a second wave.”

Disneyland Paris was closed from March until July as the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic swept Europe, along with numerous other French tourist attractions. Other Disney parks worldwide remain open, including Disney World in Florida. Disneyland in California, however, remains closed.