Ongoing climate change is leading to a general rise in temperatures and an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves. Since 2003 in France, efforts to mitigate the health impacts of heat waves have primarily focused on implementing emergency measures when heat waves occur, the execution of which ultimately falls to municipalities and local stakeholders. In addition to these measures, cities are now explicitly prioritizing the reduction of urban heat islands in their urban planning projects, particularly by leveraging the thermal moderation provided by irrigated green spaces. This article summarizes the epidemiological arguments supporting this approach and advocates for a joint consideration of the physical (natural, urban planning, architectural) and societal determinants of risk in preventing the health effects of heat waves, for the development of appropriate training programs, and for increased collaboration between national and local stakeholders.