Paris is feeling the heat from a summer swell that could break records today – and locals are seeking a quick escape in the Canal St Martin.
The French national meteorological service has flagged a red‑heat alert for roughly half the country, covering the capital, as temperatures are projected to push into the 40°C range.
Seeing a way to the city center’s iconic waterway, many residents have slipped into the canal for a splash‑drench, a buoyant reprieve from the stifling heat.
City officials advise staying hydrated and limiting time in direct sun, while monitoring for heat‑related health risks. The canal has become an impromptu cooling spot as the heatwave continues to intensify across France.
