As a prolonged heatwave grips western Europe, Paris has become a laboratory for urban resilience. On Tuesday, temperatures in the French capital reached 38°C, driving residents and tourists alike to seek refuge in the city’s network of public swimming pools, fountains, and notably, the Canal Saint-Martin. Hundreds were observed wading in the water, a scene that has prompted a fresh round of debate in British media about the lack of comparable infrastructure in the United Kingdom.
The contrast is stark. London, with its densely built-up areas and limited public water features, often becomes an urban heat island during summer months. Green spaces such as Hyde Park offer respite, but the absence of accessible canal bathing or lidos in central London has been noted by urban planners. Paris, by contrast, has invested in what the city hall calls “cool islands” – public zones with water, shade, and vegetation designed to lower ambient temperatures.
This approach is part of a broader strategy by Mayor Anne Hidalgo to adapt the city to climate change. Since 2015, Paris has opened over 30 “cool parks” and expanded its network of public pools. The Canal Saint-Martin, once a working waterway now flanked by trendy bars and flats, has become a symbol of this policy. Signs at the canal warn swimmers of occasional boat traffic and recommend caution, but do not prohibit entering the water.
In Britain, the conversation is more cautious. The UK’s coolest cities, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, have historically not faced the same heat extremes as the continent. But the 2022 heatwave, which saw temperatures exceed 40°C in England for the first time, has forced a reassessment. Urban planners point to the Thames as an underutilised resource. However, water quality concerns and safety issues – including strong currents and lack of lifeguards – prevent the kind of spontaneous bathing seen in Paris.
Local authorities in London have experimented with pop-up swimming pools and misting stations, but these are temporary measures. The Royal Institute of British Architects has called for a “national cooling strategy” that includes mandatory shading in new developments and a target for increasing public water access.
At the institutional level, the contrast reflects differing attitudes towards public space. In France, the principle of “vivre ensemble” – living together – often extends to shared use of urban amenities. British planning tends to prioritise property rights and private development over communal infrastructure. The result is a gap that becomes glaringly visible during heatwaves.
For British policymakers, the lesson from Paris is not simply about building more pools. It is about rethinking how cities are designed to encourage social interaction and resilience in the face of climate change. The willingness of Parisians to cool off in canals may seem trivial, but it signals a deeper commitment to urban liveability that Britain could learn from.
As the heatwave continues, with temperatures expected to remain high into the weekend, the images from Paris will serve as a reminder of what is possible. Whether British cities will respond with similar ambition remains an open question. The answer will depend on political will, public investment, and a willingness to challenge entrenched planning norms. For now, Londoners must make do with what they have – and hope for rain.
