Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower, Louvre close as COVID-19 cases surge in France

The Eiffel Tower is the latest Parisian cultural landmark to close as France locks down to slow a new wave of COVID-19 infections.

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

The iconic Eiffel Tower announced via tweet Friday that it's closing until further notice.

"For our visitors who purchased tickets in advance for visits from October 30th: you will be contacted by mail by our customer service about the automatic cancellation and refunding procedure," the tweet said.

Its closure follows similar announcements by Disneyland Paris and a number of museums Thursday.

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 shut down until Dec. 1, while the The Musée d'Orsay's closure announcement didn't offer a reopening date.

"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, also closed Thursday night.

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

The Palace of Versailles, located about 40 minutes west of Paris, also tweeted news of its closure 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 measure would 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 remain open worldwide, including Disney World in Florida. Disneyland in Anaheim, California, however, must remain closed until the infection rate in Orange County drop to minimum levels.

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Contributing: Deirdre Shesgreen and Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY; Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: France lockdown: Disneyland Paris closes as COVID-19 cases surge