In Bordeaux, where temperatures hit 35 degrees on Thursday, pupils in non-air-conditioned schools endured intense heat.
Amine and Najib, pupils at the elementary school on rue Paul Bert, described classrooms at 32 degrees equipped only with fans. Najib mentioned a water fight during recess to cool off, exceptionally allowed by teachers.
Parents voiced varying concerns. Paula, six, said she had « nearly died of heat », while fathers and mothers of nursery-age children praised the teachers’ role despite the lack of air conditioning.
Bordeaux city hall is speeding up renovations to better insulate buildings and is installing air circulators and blinds. Each school has a refuge room, and external solutions were used on Tuesday for two classes.
