Some Parisians are spending the night in city parks to escape sweltering apartments as an intense heatwave continues across France.
As France endures an intense heatwave, some Parisians are choosing to sleep in parks rather than spend the night in overheated apartments.
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At Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, people arrived with blankets, hammocks and inflatable mattresses, taking advantage of the cooler night air.
"It's already like a proper hotel tonight," said Camille Arregun, who brought her baby to the park to escape the heat.
Another visitor, Agathe Chebassier, said she had considered sleeping outdoors, adding: "I'd be much better off sleeping under the stars than in my flat, where it's absolutely sweltering."
While some planned to return home later in the evening, others said they were ready to stay until morning as the heatwave continued to grip the French capital.
France records hottest day ever
On Wednesday (24 June), France sweltered through its hottest day since measurements began in 1947, breaking another record set just the previous day.
The national temperature indicator, which averages day and night temperatures, reached 30°C – even hotter than was seen during the summer 2019 and 2023 heatwaves.
Some departments in the west of the country saw highs of over 44°C and more than half of the country's 96 departments were placed on red alert for heat.
The historic heatwave has forced tourist attractions to close early, nuclear reactors have been taken offline, and drownings have multiplied as citizens seek respite in the country's canals and rivers.
The heat is expected to abate by Tuesday or Wednesday next week, but forecasters have warned it could return again in the coming weeks.
