Heat Wave Hits Paris
Children playing in the public fountains of Paris
Paris is hot, very hot. This week, a heat wave has struck the capital, with temperatures reaching 33-36 degrees Celsius; it is said that southern France hit 38 degrees. Amidst the sweltering heat, everyone heads to the water or jumps into swimming pools, seeks refuge in dark rooms or under tree shade. No wonder children have cast off their clothes and leap into Paris’s public fountains to play and cool down. Crowds line the banks of the Seine and its canals to escape the heat, while many more take advantage of the fine weather to enjoy rare sunbathing sessions. Ice cream sales are booming; eating ice and drinking cold beverages brings deep relief and summer respite. In this place without air conditioning, I can only wear my underwear, bare my torso, hold a fan, and cool off in a poetic manner.