As Paris baked under soaring temperatures on Monday, tourists and residents flocked to shaded spots and canal banks to escape the punishing heat.
With air conditioning still uncommon in much of France, officials increased efforts to protect vulnerable groups, including the elderly, the homeless, and those working outdoors.
Along the Seine, misting stations cooled passers-by, offering brief relief from the stifling weather. Some visitors delayed more strenuous sightseeing, while others adapted with regular pauses at public sprinklers.
“Whether it is hot or not, Paris is still Paris,” said Belgian tourist Remy Levecke. “We’ve come to visit and we just have to sort it out when it’s hot.”