Heatwave - dreading holiday in Paris next week

[HotGrapefruit]

DH and I are booked to go to Paris next week. The average highs in June are around 23 degrees, which is about the max I can handle. But the forecast is up to 40 every day. This wasn't what we were expecting at all.

I'm dreading it. The metro doesn't have aircon and neither do any of the places I've booked to eat (I've now cancelled them all). We had an assortment of walking routes planned, but none are going to be realistic.

We've spent a fortune on a lovely hotel room and Eurostar travel, so I can't bear to cancel the whole thing.

Does anyone have advice or reassurance or am I just going to absolutely hate it?!

My sympathies OP .. I arrive in Paris for 4 nights on Sunday.
I was completely unaware of the forecast heatwave until this thread.. so thank you!
I have checked and fortunately hotel has A/C and is next to Luxembourg Gardens.
Changing dates is not an option as I have come from New Zealand !
I plan to get up early, maybe museums, back to hotel for 1pm and eat out for dinner.

In not great news the Mayor of Paris (Emmanuel Gregoire) doing a presser right now (Fri PM).

Looks like Paris could well be into a red weather warning commencing Sunday midday, and that might well have implications for public events/public services, including the Fete de la Musique (big event this weekend).

Red warnings (Vigilance Rouge) can come with restrictions attached, those travelling might find worth keeping an eye on French news sources if they can.

ETA: on the upside the Mayor has announced public parcs/gardens will stay open 24h, rather than closing overnight.

This map has all the ‘ilots de fraîcheur’ in Paris. Including fountains, cool places, and shops and restos offering water.

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/97a1ee11f50e4c36afb48b93007b4fb8/page/Version-Française

Remember that when eating out in Paris, ‘un carafe d’eau’ is free and often automatic, but do ask.

The cooling stations will be of some use. I remember spending most of an afternoon in the tourist info centre by the Hotel de Ville as it was wonderfully cool. And there were seats. Just don't tell anyone else!

You can change Eurostar tickets @HotGrapefruit though obviously your hotel's non negotiable. I assume it's got air con so maybe just hang out there more than you'd intended. A lot of people will be in the same boat so maybe there will be more esprit de cours than usual.

OMFG. I keep hoping that the forecast will improve but it just looks like it's bedding in.

I'm feeling very unsure but we will lose so much money if we can cancel!

Is there any way you can phone the hotel and ask if it’s possible to rebook exceptionally because of the weather warnings Maybe late September or early October when they aren’t so busy?. Say you are an elderly couple ( sorry 🤣.. needs must)

I've tried, but because we booked via a third party (stupid decision) it's a NON.

Zut alors . Can the third party help?

Another NON, because it's at the discretion of the hotel....

How is it today?!

@HotGrapefruit Work out what you are comfy doing and plan the trip around that. I would contact the hotel and ask to rent a car with a driver, with the stipulation it has a/c. Ask the hotel for a cool room and a fan. Take ice packs to freeze and carry with you. Look for a few nice restaurants around the hotel. Early morning river trip. Be home or in an air conditioned museum by midday.

How long are you coming for? I think monday is supposed to be the worst day. Has the hotel got aircon?

Good strategy up and out for 8 am , breakfast at a terrasse then any walking you want to do til about 12 , then maybe a museum, a siesta and late dinner.

Coming until Thursday (same as you @LunaTheCat !)

Temps are hitting 30 by 10am most days... not even sure I can walk in that!

Luxembourg Gardens are lovely - plenty of shade and ideal for a picnic.

Le Bon Marche (very nice department store) is nearby and the food hall there is fabulous. You could happily pick up a delicious picnic. It is a great location. You can venture out one side of the gardens and see St Sulpice with a very short walk, and out the other to see the Pantheon. Lots of nice patisseries nearby, including Michalak, Pierre Herme and Laduree. I'd load a basket and find a couple of chairs under a tree and settle in.

Hi OP. I was in Paris for Roland Garros a few weeks ago during the last heatwave and was very worried about how I'd cope! We had a fantastic time. Top tips ...

1. We carried x2 water bottles on both sides of our rucksacks and filled them regularly via public fountains.
2. We had portable neck fans and strategically deployed them when away from aircon. Also had a hand-held fan in our bag.
3. We carried mist/water spray and sprayed our faces to keep cool
4. Hats, liberal amounts of suncream and light shawls around our shoulders to prevent burns
5. Many museums etc have air con
6. I mostly wore light, loose, long dresses with lots of airflow!
7. Plan strategically, e.g. spend more time outside in the morning/evening and time inside with air con facilities in the afternoon

Have a fabulous time!

It won’t take you more than around 5 mins to walk from the train stop to the taxi rank. Alternatively you could try Uber / Bolt as being cheaper. Money well spent in my view.

I don't mind the journeying via RER - it's just the security and waiting at GdN - particularly on Wednesday when it will be most likely 1.5 hours in very intense heat and queues!

There is a phrase something like ‘sunken costs fallacy’ - basically it means people sometimes go ahead and do things because they’ve paid for them. But the thing is, you’ve spent that money whether you go or not. Going will be additional spending on travel, meals etc so will cost you more than not going.

Im not actually saying to cancel, as I’ve often found things where I’ve been a bit apprehensive often turn out fine in the end. But saying you must go just because of what you’ve paid out isn’t necessarily the logical thing.

Can you get a fast pass - used to be able to buy something, I think it included access to a first class lounge.

Do you mean on the way home? As when we arrived we literally just got off the train and left the station. Compared to flying I was amazed!

Tried that - not available

Yes - Wednesday at 3pm, currently forecast to be 43 degrees at GdN

@HotGrapefruit

Just for you from a substack I follow - restaurants with air con on parisbymouth!

She is a fantastic blogger, have been to many restaurants she has recommended and they are top notch.

Hope you have a great trip

https://parisbymouth.substack.com/p/paris-restaurants-air-conditioning

Call Eurostar and get a Dr letter? I have a medical condition that is serious and a nightmare in the heat. If you have something may be worth seeing if you can be exempt from long lines in the heat.

Why will you be waiting in gare du nord? Edited to say sorry i realise you’re talking about the return journey . Sometimes there’s hardly a queue you might be fine