In late June, Paris experienced an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. This transformation turned the city into a vast sauna.
In one memorable incident, I argued with Parisians on a bus about keeping windows closed for the air conditioning to be effective. Ultimately, I lost that disagreement. Seeking relief, I headed to the cinema, hoping for cool respite. Instead, I found out the air conditioning had failed, unable to cope with the extreme heat.
As I walked through Paris, dazed by the oppressive temperatures, I came across an impressive sight — the Pont Neuf. This elegant bridge over the Seine had transformed into a cavern of fabric, resembling rocky landscapes. French artist JR created this installation, inviting people to explore it.
Unfortunately, the installation didn’t provide much comfort from the intense heat. Inside, rectangular fans circulated hot air, reminiscent of a steam room. Despite this, the experience had a certain magic, temporarily distracting me from the relentless heat.