Heatwaves in Fontainebleau

Heatwaves (or canicule in French) are times of abnormal heat and are generally alerted by the Mairie. The forecast can also be viewed at a special website from Meteo France. In case of alert plans will posted by affected Mairie and by the Centre Communal d'Action Sociale (CCAS). These will have particular advice for seniors.

There is also the Canicule info service (0800 06 66 66) which is toll free, from a landline in France, from 9:00 - 19:00.

During a heatwave

• Stay in contact with people, especially the most vulnerable
• Organize with others (family, friends or neighbors) to remain vigilant about the state of the most vulnerable people around you
• Avoid self-medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice

Monitor your diet

• Drink regularly (without waiting for thirst), preferably medium mineralised water, 1.5 litres of water for the elderly
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid high caffeine, coffee, tea or very sweet drinks such as sodas
• Eat enough in a balanced way and favouring water-rich foods (fruits, raw vegetables, cold soups, compotes, etc.)
• Avoid eating or drinking ice-cold products

Stay cool at home

• Protect the windows from the sun: close the shutters. In the absence of sun-breaker shutters: install brightly coloured curtains with thermal insulation
• Close the windows during the day;
• When the windows are closed, for comfort, use a fan to circulate the air
• Aerate in the evening, at night or in the morning very early, when the outside air is cooler than in the dwelling
• Limit the use of heat sources (oven, stove, etc.)

For the elderly

• Spend time in cool places;
• Wear light and adapted clothing;
• Cool yourself regularly (vaporisation of water on the face, use of wet linen, etc.).

For young children

• Keep the child in a cool atmosphere;
• Avoid outings during the hot hours of the day
• Dress in suitable, lightweight outfit and with a hat
• Drink regularly.

Dehydration

Signs of dehydration include increased thirst, dry mouth, dark yellow urine, fatigue, dizziness, and less frequent urination. In severe cases, symptoms may also include rapid heartbeat, confusion, and sunken eyes.

If you experience discomfort, telephone 15 immediately (SAMU) and ask a neighbor for help.

• Lie down
• Remove unnecessary clothing
• Refresh with damp linen
• Frequently drink sweet and salty drinks

Other ideas

There are a number of other places you can go to in the Fontainebleau area to cool down. 

Cellar

Many houses have a cellar, or a cave as they call it in France. These tend to stay around 14° Celsius so if you are too hot it might be time for a trip downstairs.

Churches

Heatwaves are a great time to visit a church if you feel the need to go out. The bigger and older, the better as they are nearly always cool and refreshing. Take a book, visit a church and relax.

Getting wet

Normally on hot days a fun way to get wet is in the water jets in the Place de La République in Fontainebleau or at the Base de Loisirs in Bois le Roi.

Swimming

There are a number of outdoor areas to swim in the Fontainebleau region such as at the Isle's de Loisir at,

• Bois le Roi
• Buthier
• Souppes-sur-Loing

Or the swimming pools at,

• Fontainebleau - Citésports
• Fontainebleau - Faisanderie
• Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne
• Nemours
• Saint Pierre Les Nemours

There are also other, more local, swimming spots.

Quick Links

Centre Communal d'Action Sociale
43 boulevard du Maréchal Joffre
ccas@fontainebleau.fr
01 77 03 81 81
fontainebleau.fr

Marie de Fontainebleau
40 Rue Grande
01 60 74 64 64
fontainebleau.fr

Weather
Meteo France