For days the temperature has hovered around the ninety degree mark in Uzes. Next week, they say, it’ll hit ninety-nine.
For those who live in hot-weather areas around the world, ninety degrees is not so bad for summer. In France, when it’s this hot, it breaks records.
Century-old buildings with thick walls help to insulate homes and businesses from the intense heat, so air conditioning is scarce. There are some tried and true ways the French try to keep their indoor spaces cooler.
They shutter windows.
They turn on all the fans.
They water the plants and close windows in the early morning.
Closed window in apartment
Store owners know to take afternoon breaks and enjoy a cool beverage
Store owners in Uzes
Yes, the French have ways to cope with the heat. But what about the tourists who are out in droves? How do they deal with it when it’s really hot?
They line up for ice cream.
They hang out at Place aux Herbes eating ice cream.
Fountain at Place aux Herbes, Uzes
They sit around outdoor fans that blow cool mist.
They enjoy people-watching with friends while sipping on cool beverages.
They look for water fountains where they can play.
Tourists seem to love to shop when it’s hot. It’s often cooler on the inside of a store than it is on the streets.
Tourist shopping in Uzes
There are plenty of irresistible things to buy .. and a sale going on!
Some tourists patiently wait on others who are shopping.
On the other hand, some tourists who wait are not so patient.
What does the Barefoot Blogger do when it’s hot?
I “play” at one of my favorite stores.
… and eat raspberry sorbet!
Categories: Around France, Blog, Uzès, Village Scenes in Uzes
See that fountain?? I’d be in it❣️
Im waiting for you to be here to do it!
Im waiting for you!
We finally got some relief from two weeks of blast furnace heat. Even still, I felt terrible for the guys who moved all our stuff into our new home over the course of two days.
I can imagine they drank a lot of water. Glad you’re home!
Very “cool,” Deborah!
Thanks, Rosie!
I am so jealous. I live on the west coast in the US and it has been crazy hot here. Luckily I live at the beach where the temps stay nice and cool.
Living at the beach on the west coast sounds pretty awesome, too, Verna. I love it here even if it’s hot. Just looking out the windows is enough on a really hot day!
A nice blog post Debbie. It has been hot in the UK too recently. I’ve got blinds and curtains drawn, window openings strategically adjusted and I’m sat here blogging with that air-cooler running.
Wish I had an air cooler. Maybe next year if this gets too unbearable. Right now there’s a bit of a breeze and fans are going everywhere. Sounds like your plan is working for you.
The one that I have uses technogology that is rather like those fans in the street that blow moisture around. It’s not really aircon (no compressors, refrigerant & heat exchangers), but much cheaper and reasonably effective too. When it is set up correctly.
Sounds like a new blog post for you! I’m definitely interested!