France holiday - heatwave

Heading off today to Paris. Bit worried but the weather will take it easy and plan out rest breaks.

If you’ve got AC and a pool you’ll be fine. We’re just back from the Med where it was mud 40s.

Perhaps you could have a day trip to the mountains or sea. Depending on where you are in Provence? We were there 20 years ago (with baby) and I still recall the difference when we returned via the alps.

At the end of July, actually. No air conditioning on the tube and 30+ temperatures at 8.00 in the morning.

The lack of air conditioning in most tube trains is well known - I’m surprised you’ve missed it.

The issue is the way air conditioning works - to cool the inside of a vehicle / building the units vent hot air to the outside. There are no additional vents to move hot air from the tunnels / platforms to the outside air on most tube lines due to the age of the tube and on the central London lines the trains spend much of their time with the doors open anyway.

They also can’t retrofit the carriages due to lack of space in the tunnels.

@Inshockandsome - ahh the Lizzie line is the business! 😄

Yes quite agree it seems to be getting hotter each year in Provence. First world problem I know, but it even makes fun holiday things like visiting markets too much - not ideal…

I think this is a statement southern Europe really needs to start thinking about.

20 years ago the conversation was ‘yes off to Greece next week, temperature mid 30s, can’t wait’ but the last few years it’s been regularly hitting 40s which is crazy and actually becoming dangerously hot.

I’d Still go but plan my days in 2 halves. Morning touristy things 6-11am. Back for a siesta by the pool in the air conditioning then back out again around 4/5 for a mooch and evening meal. Avoid still water areas in the evenings for the mossies.

Mad dogs and Englishman go out in the mid day sun, it’s definitely getting to a point of not any more.

The trains in France just stop completely in the heat as the lines and overhead wires expand

Are you joking - Piccadilly line is still waiting delivery of new trains and the central line are trying to refurb ancient trains where the the seats have collapsed and no air con.
Elizabeth line trains have air con but so packed they are still hot (that was as of last month)

It’s easy to say it’s fine, but it’s hard work and tiring and we found the fires really scary. We go every year for a few weeks, and it does seem to get hotter every year!

Elizabeth line is clearly the place to be in the sumner 😎

Family just been...the heat is manageable if you stay near a pool. The mosquitos were awful. Go prepared but have a lovely holiday

I’d go but just load up with a fan (battery operated and the ones you wave in front of you), hats, suncream, long sleeved but airy tops, long sleeved swimming tops, a flask. We had a thing where no matter what we reapplied suncream regularly (as in come on everyone it’s time!!), went to shade and had drinks/ ice pops. And yes do stay in a bit. Try to enjoy op!

Am just back from Provence. It wasn’t as hot when I was there thankfully, but I go every year and have faced 38-40 degree temps. If you have air con and a pool it will be ok - otherwise it won’t be fun tbh! I sense all the posters dismissing it haven’t been there when it’s that hot!

Also, I can’t think of any london tube lines that have proper air con! 😂Perhaps jubilee is cooler than others, but it’s not like NYC.

Of course you should go.

You are going on holiday so you can adapt your days around what to do when.

It's not like you are there working in the heat or on some strict schedule.

The main issue op is the night time temperatures are regularly 26/27c. It used to drop down at night, but it barely shifts now, and it’s stifling hot all of the time. Here in England the nights are very cool and comfortable comparatively.

I wouldn’t consider going for a second unless your place has very good air conditioning and a pool. Even then it’s going to be challenging and tiring if you enjoy sight seeing and activities of any kind.

You haven’t been on the central line recently then have you?

All of my trains are air conditioned - as is the tube. A few warm days in London won’t kill uou! It’s nothing like 40c and it’s pathetic to compare them.

Off topic but the majority of the tube lines are not air con!Have a quick Google or a trip on the Piccadilly.

They aren't! A few tube lines have air conditioning but many don't and it's fucking miserable during the summer! My trains from outer London to central London are also not air conditioned.

You’ll need aircon and pool for sure. Heat builds slowly in France for some reason maybe as they’re an hour ahead so get out 9am til 1ish for any exploring then swim, nap and be indoors or in shade til 7 ish.

Heading off to the hills outside St Tropez on Friday. About 31°, we can fall out of the bedroom straight into the pool. Can't wait.

The trains and tubes to London are all air conditioned. When was the last time you used one? 1982?

Op we have been in the same area as you - we are well used to hot temperatures and go every year to the SoF.

You are right to be concerned, for the last few years it has been extremely uncomfortable Even with the pool ;(It was too hot to sit outside) and air con didn’t help as I don’t enjoy spending my holidays inside.

It’s always the same reaction on here with France - we love the place,, but it is roasting hot, and the fires are an issue. It is 30c here for one day in UK, and mostly 25-27c which is fine, but pushing 39/40c is a whole different ballgame.

Can you cancel or change the dates? If so, I would and go to the alpine region. It’s still very warm and sunny but not punishing.

You be fine. Is it an exploring or a poolside holiday?
either way I’d get up earlish and go get breakfast/explore/out by pool from around 8. Go back for lunch at 1 and have a few hours napping/relaxing . Then back out around 4 until evening

or if planning a day trip be inside eating/shopping during the hottest part of the day.

If high 30s is beyond the pale for you, I’m not sure why you chose to book the South of France during August… This is not at all unpredictable. Maybe consider Scandinavia next time?

There was a thread the other day about camping in Europe in these temps and the replies were overwhelming positive!

Do you have access to a pool? Get up and out early then have a siesta, let DS read, go on the iPad, then enjoy the evening dining outside.

Check the airbnb has a couple of fans.

Enjoy!

I thought people booked holidays so that they could experience these types of temps......?