Heatwave - would you cancel?

[MissFranKubelik]

We’re planning to go to Provence (the Var) next Saturday for two weeks. The first week the forecast is solidly 39/40 degrees. The house we’re staying in is very old without air conditioning but with a pool. In the past it’s been too hot at night and the temps weren’t so high.

My DH thinks we should cancel as the temps are dangerously high (looking at the red alerts for the England right now).

We have two teenagers (so much easier to manage in the heat than babies and toddlers).

What would you do?

I wouldn't cancel. You have a pool. Usual precautions apply about sitting in the shade etc. Just keep your fridge stocked up with cold drinks and watermelon 🍉 and take lots of books. Sleep downstairs if the upstairs bedrooms get too hot. Envious.

Don't cancel. You have a pool for cooling off and the teenagers can be sensible with precautions in the sun. Have fun!

I was in Corfu 4 years ago and it was 42 degrees at times. It's been similar when I've been to Spain too.
It's always been manageable I found, especially when there is a pool.
I'd still go.

I'd go and have a lovely time in the pool!

I deffo wouldn't cancel, its been 41 degrees here in Spain today and perfectly manageable with lots of fluids, watermelon and the pool.

This is really helpful everyone! Thank you! I’ve been so looking forward to this holiday that I was worrying I wasn’t being objective about it.

Thanks a million.

I’d go. Old houses keep out heat well, and you’ve a pool. Perfect.

I was in Greece a few of years ago when they had a heatwave hitting 50 degrees.
We survived, no aircon, we bought fans and used the pool, could you go to the nearest town and buy a couple of fans one for each bedroom, use them in the kitchen and living area during the day?
Keep the window, doors, blinds closed during the day.
I wouldn't cancel my holiday, I'd take sensible precautions, I'd also make a plan for evacuation in case of wildfires but I'm a bit of a planner 😉

Ditto except with a 1YO and 5YO. We’re still going. I find the temperature usually drops quite a bit at night so we’ll do afternoon naps, late bedtimes and possibly also have the kids camp in the downstairs living room where it’s cooler rather than in their usual attic rooms.

Are you flying or driving there?

Go.

Be sensible in the heat. Act like a local. Stay up late, siesta in the afternoon.

I would go ahead. You will have a pool and traditional houses in Provence are actually built to stay cool and keep the heat out.

They should have shutters and just keep them closed during the day.

Just drop the owners a line and ask them to provide you with fans if they are not already in the house and you will be fine.

Avoid being out during the hottest part of the day (lunchtime) and just use that time for a siesta.

You won't be anymore comfortable in the UK anyway...

If you're driving take a couple of fans and some ice tray cubes for the freezer. Pound land paddling pools are excellent as cool foot baths

And if you can bear it get up early and go places from 6- 10 and then siesta until the evening!

I'd be more concerned about forest fires.