French Heatwave Drives Hotel Bookings for AC and Pool Access
A severe heatwave in France, with temperatures reaching a June record of 40.9°C in Paris, has driven city dwellers to book hotel rooms for air conditioning and pool access. Few private flats, especially in the capital, have air conditioning, and about three-quarters of Paris rooftops use zinc, which absorbs and conducts heat. In Tours, resident Véronique Savoye checked into a local hotel for four nights, saying she could not think straight due to the heat and needed to sleep. Hotels in cities and beyond have seen a surge in bookings as people seek relief.
Key facts
- Temperatures in Paris hit a June record of 40.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
- France recorded its hottest day since records began nearly 80 years ago.
- About three-quarters of Paris rooftops use zinc, a material that absorbs and conducts heat.
- Few private flats in France have air conditioning.
- Air-conditioned hotels in Tours were almost fully booked.
- Véronique Savoye checked into a local hotel for a four-night stay through Friday.
- Savoye said she 'could not think straight' due to the heat in her own home.
- People swam in Canal Saint-Martin after public swimming was permitted in certain areas.
Entities
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Tours
- Canal Saint-Martin