Paris Air Conditioning in July
Jul 26th, 2006, 04:30 PM
#101
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Anyway, speaking of Paris in August, YES, air conditioning is essential in August. The daytime temperatures on the street here in Paris have been hitting around 100° F for weeks, and most buildings are sweltering 24 hours a day unless they are air-conditioned. If you don't have A/C, you risk ruining your vacation.
Jul 26th, 2006, 04:33 PM
#102
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Orval, people here can decide for themselves what they do or don't want to read; your thought policing is not necessary. As for your scary threat about talking to the Moderators, go for it. If the forum doesn't want honest, fact-based commentary on how Europe really, that's the forum's loss, not mine. Perhaps they'll offer to have you review each and every post from everyone in the future in order to see if it merits your approval. It'll be a dull forum, but by golly, it'll carry the Orval Seal of Approval, which should reassure all the grown-ups here who are eager for someone else to do their thinking for them.
Jul 27th, 2006, 02:47 AM
#104
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"The daytime temperatures on the street here in Paris have been hitting around 100° F for weeks"
"fact-based" Uh huh. Right now its lets see, 72 with a nice cool breeze. The high over the weekend was in the 80s with a low in the 60s. Yes it was hot monday-wednesday but not 100. Good try Mr missinformarama.
Bottom line, when it drops into the 60s or less at night buildings cool off and can be kept cool for most of the day. We have only had a few days that this wasnt the case.
"fact-based" Uh huh. Right now its lets see, 72 with a nice cool breeze. The high over the weekend was in the 80s with a low in the 60s. Yes it was hot monday-wednesday but not 100. Good try Mr missinformarama.
Bottom line, when it drops into the 60s or less at night buildings cool off and can be kept cool for most of the day. We have only had a few days that this wasnt the case.
Jul 27th, 2006, 06:26 AM
#105
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Actually I'm an American who lives in Switzerland now, travels to Paris a lot as I have a childhood friend who lives there, always take the TGV and Métro and have never, not ever, noticed that people in Paris smell worse than they do anyplace else during a heat wave. Just try taking the lovely non-airconditioned blue line in Boston on any summer day and you will see for yourself!
Jul 27th, 2006, 08:27 AM
#106
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Sorry beaupeep, but a number of studies have shown that among developed countries, the French use much less soap and shower or bathe much less than other similar countries. I'm not meaning to bash the French like some others, but it is a cultural eccentricity.
Jul 27th, 2006, 08:41 AM
#107
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I was going to stay out of this thread but it's getting just so ridiculous. Why anyone still listens to Anthony is beyond me. He exaggerates constantly and is completely paranoid. Just check out some past threads, I won't go into detail about the past posts, however, I just got back from Paris and was there on days when it was 96 and 99 degrees. Of course, I was glad to have a little ac in our apartment (and would only stay in places with it)but it was NOT unbearable, there was no humidity, and it was tolerable (I speak to the past couple of weeks, nothing more). It was hot, don't get me wrong, but nothing to be afraid of. We returned to find our NYC temp of 85 and humid much more uncomfortable.
Anthony made a statement about Notre Dame and old buildings being sweltering which is a total fabrication. I was in Notre Dame while it was in the high 90s and it was comfortable.
Anthony, just what is your agenda? You make a habit of being this board's "Debbie Downer", trying to put people off. I'm not going to even touch your childish steroptyping.
Anthony made a statement about Notre Dame and old buildings being sweltering which is a total fabrication. I was in Notre Dame while it was in the high 90s and it was comfortable.
Anthony, just what is your agenda? You make a habit of being this board's "Debbie Downer", trying to put people off. I'm not going to even touch your childish steroptyping.
Jul 27th, 2006, 10:48 AM
#108
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AnthonyGA...I know that you have the ability to form concepts and write, therefore, read the Fodor's requirements for posting...
they are not Orval's, they are the moderators' guidelines which exist to stop the omnipresent need of certain people to castigate, insult and malign in a fashion that is not appropriate for this forum. It is not my call, other than the alert to the moderators, however, if you continue to do things that violate the guidelines, they will take action against you. Perhaps you should tell them what you think of their guidelines, which appear to be difficult for you.
Most forums have unfortunately had to adopt more stringent rules because of minxes that enjoy perturbating the pleasantries of travel boards with insults, especially these days, directed to France. They are comparable to juvenile delinquents that try to get away with writing on walls at night, or disturbing the neigborhood at 3 a.m....in hopes that they will resolve their insecurities involving adolescent matters.
they are not Orval's, they are the moderators' guidelines which exist to stop the omnipresent need of certain people to castigate, insult and malign in a fashion that is not appropriate for this forum. It is not my call, other than the alert to the moderators, however, if you continue to do things that violate the guidelines, they will take action against you. Perhaps you should tell them what you think of their guidelines, which appear to be difficult for you.
Most forums have unfortunately had to adopt more stringent rules because of minxes that enjoy perturbating the pleasantries of travel boards with insults, especially these days, directed to France. They are comparable to juvenile delinquents that try to get away with writing on walls at night, or disturbing the neigborhood at 3 a.m....in hopes that they will resolve their insecurities involving adolescent matters.
Jul 27th, 2006, 01:49 PM
#109
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I'm not interested in trading personal attacks, Orval. If you have a problem with me, tell the moderators.
I'm interested in discussing European countries, travel, and cultures. Inevitably, some people will take offense when they hear something they don't like; but there's nothing I can do about that. Offense is always something taken, never given—and some people will take offense at anything.
I've seen absolutely no evidence anywhere that France is a preferred target for insults. And I don't think that a frank discussion of the problems that any culture has counts as an insult, anyway.
Getting back to the weather: Unlike most people, I've actually gone outside with a thermometer on multiple occasions and measured the temperature on the street in Paris, and I can guarantee you that it easily surpasses 100° F. Near the sidewalk it is far hotter (important if you are walking your dog). If the weather service measures 90° F in its isolated weather station under a shady tree in Montsouris Park, you can be sure that it is a good fifteen degrees hotter or more on the street, where people actually live and work and walk about. This is true at all times of day and in all seasons.
Paris has had more than a few days when it did not cool off at night (the very definition of a canicule. In fact, it just finished as stretch of nearly a month during which it didn't cool off at night. And buildings in Paris reflect this: most of them are still sweltering, despite a dip in temperatures in the past 24 hours. Even if it gets cooler, it will take days for these buildings to cool down.
The Métro is another example of the delayed effect of temperature changes. It's still in the 90s in the Métro, and it will remain that way for quite some time, even if by some miracle external air temperatures actually fall back down to normal values.
And I haven't mentioned the multiple pollution alerts the city has had lately, because of the heat.
I'm interested in discussing European countries, travel, and cultures. Inevitably, some people will take offense when they hear something they don't like; but there's nothing I can do about that. Offense is always something taken, never given—and some people will take offense at anything.
I've seen absolutely no evidence anywhere that France is a preferred target for insults. And I don't think that a frank discussion of the problems that any culture has counts as an insult, anyway.
Getting back to the weather: Unlike most people, I've actually gone outside with a thermometer on multiple occasions and measured the temperature on the street in Paris, and I can guarantee you that it easily surpasses 100° F. Near the sidewalk it is far hotter (important if you are walking your dog). If the weather service measures 90° F in its isolated weather station under a shady tree in Montsouris Park, you can be sure that it is a good fifteen degrees hotter or more on the street, where people actually live and work and walk about. This is true at all times of day and in all seasons.
Paris has had more than a few days when it did not cool off at night (the very definition of a canicule. In fact, it just finished as stretch of nearly a month during which it didn't cool off at night. And buildings in Paris reflect this: most of them are still sweltering, despite a dip in temperatures in the past 24 hours. Even if it gets cooler, it will take days for these buildings to cool down.
The Métro is another example of the delayed effect of temperature changes. It's still in the 90s in the Métro, and it will remain that way for quite some time, even if by some miracle external air temperatures actually fall back down to normal values.
And I haven't mentioned the multiple pollution alerts the city has had lately, because of the heat.
Jul 27th, 2006, 02:36 PM
#110
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Facts, not emotion:
www.weather.com has daily 'observed' weather conditions for Paris.
In June, only 2 days exceeded 90*F.
In July, we have:
- 3rd at 91
- 4th at 90
- 16th at 90
- 17th at 91
- 18th at 95
- 19th at 99 (pretty darn close to 100)
- 20th at 90
- 21st at 97
- 22nd at 90
- 24th at 90
- 25th at 95
- 26th at 97
The 'highs' for the remainder of July are predicted to be 77-85*F.
If you're accustomed to cooled air in summer months, then get a hotel with a/c.
If the mere chance of being too warm at night bothers you, then get a hotel with a/c.
If you're accustomed to hot weather and can sleep fine without a/c, then don't worry about the hotel.
No one can truly predict whether you will need a hotel with a/c. You know which 'camp' you're in - act accordingly.
www.weather.com has daily 'observed' weather conditions for Paris.
In June, only 2 days exceeded 90*F.
In July, we have:
- 3rd at 91
- 4th at 90
- 16th at 90
- 17th at 91
- 18th at 95
- 19th at 99 (pretty darn close to 100)
- 20th at 90
- 21st at 97
- 22nd at 90
- 24th at 90
- 25th at 95
- 26th at 97
The 'highs' for the remainder of July are predicted to be 77-85*F.
If you're accustomed to cooled air in summer months, then get a hotel with a/c.
If the mere chance of being too warm at night bothers you, then get a hotel with a/c.
If you're accustomed to hot weather and can sleep fine without a/c, then don't worry about the hotel.
No one can truly predict whether you will need a hotel with a/c. You know which 'camp' you're in - act accordingly.
Jul 27th, 2006, 02:52 PM
#111
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And here are the lows:
1. 64
2. 66
3. 64
4. 66
5. 63
6. 63
7. 71
8. 61
9. 64
10. 61
11. 68
12. 59
13. 61
14. 61
16. 63
17. 66
18. 63
19. 68
20. 66
21. 68
22. 70
23. 64
24. 66
25. 70
I have seen the weather station and its not under a tree in a shady corner.
1. 64
2. 66
3. 64
4. 66
5. 63
6. 63
7. 71
8. 61
9. 64
10. 61
11. 68
12. 59
13. 61
14. 61
16. 63
17. 66
18. 63
19. 68
20. 66
21. 68
22. 70
23. 64
24. 66
25. 70
I have seen the weather station and its not under a tree in a shady corner.
Jul 27th, 2006, 08:03 PM
#112
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"I have seen the weather station and its not under a tree in a shady corner." By definition, official temperature is always taken in the shade, not surrounded by concrete.
If the low is 70 at 4:00 AM outdoors, them what is the temperature in your bedroom? I remember several very uncomfortable nights in a 3 star hotel in Salzburg that only had a window measuring 3 foot by 1 foot. The low temperature in the room was 85 degrees at 3:00 AM. although temps outside were probably 72. My body shuts down its sleep cycle at temps that warm and I am unable to sleep. The staff said that the new hotel was designed for AC but the owner got cheap at the last minute. Did the hot and sleepless night spoil my trip? No, but the lack of sleep and draining of my energy did reduce the enjoyment of several of my very expensive travel days.
If the low is 70 at 4:00 AM outdoors, them what is the temperature in your bedroom? I remember several very uncomfortable nights in a 3 star hotel in Salzburg that only had a window measuring 3 foot by 1 foot. The low temperature in the room was 85 degrees at 3:00 AM. although temps outside were probably 72. My body shuts down its sleep cycle at temps that warm and I am unable to sleep. The staff said that the new hotel was designed for AC but the owner got cheap at the last minute. Did the hot and sleepless night spoil my trip? No, but the lack of sleep and draining of my energy did reduce the enjoyment of several of my very expensive travel days.
Jul 28th, 2006, 01:56 AM
#113
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As I've said, I measured the temperature myself. I would get daytime temperatures of 42° C routinely on the street, in the shade. The temperature on my own street was always well above 20° C at its lowest during the night. I don't know what the temperature was in the shade at the Parc Montsouris (where the weather service takes its measurements), but nobody lives there, so it doesn't matter. In the real world, we live in hot apartments and have to work in hot offices, and we have to walk down hot paved streets to move between the two. Nothing is ever as cool as the official weather service temperature.
Jul 28th, 2006, 09:25 PM
#114
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Romantic French/Corsican natural body odor anecdote:
When Napoleon and Josephine were still an item, he wrote her that he'd be coming home from a campaign on a certain day and asked her not to bathe for the couple of days before that time.
When Napoleon and Josephine were still an item, he wrote her that he'd be coming home from a campaign on a certain day and asked her not to bathe for the couple of days before that time.
Jul 29th, 2006, 01:30 AM
#115
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Perhaps he preferred women who smelled like his fellow soldiers.
For many years, particularly in France, bathing was considered immodest and unhealthy. Even the king only bathed once or twice (for marriage, baptism, etc.).
This tradition continued in France long after it began to erode elsewhere. At the time of World War II, for example, the French were still indisputably among the filthiest people in Europe, and not just because of any rationing. American soldiers who came into contact with them noticed their poor hygiene and smell and told stories about it upon returning to the U.S., which is largely responsible for the reputation that they are dirty that persists today (even though it is only slightly based in fact now).
The problem continued until the 1960s, when the government undertook a program to educate the population and encourage it to practice good personal hygiene. It worked to a large extent, which is why French people who reached their teens in the late 1960s or thereafter tend to be much cleaner than their elders. The cleaner trend continues slowly, although the French are still not as clean as many other Europeans (the cleanest Europeans are the British). I'd say that a majority of the under-30 crowd is quite clean, especially among women (men are dirtier throughout Europe). There are variations that depend on social class, education, etc.
Americans, incidentally, rank roughly with the English for personal hygiene.
For many years, particularly in France, bathing was considered immodest and unhealthy. Even the king only bathed once or twice (for marriage, baptism, etc.).
This tradition continued in France long after it began to erode elsewhere. At the time of World War II, for example, the French were still indisputably among the filthiest people in Europe, and not just because of any rationing. American soldiers who came into contact with them noticed their poor hygiene and smell and told stories about it upon returning to the U.S., which is largely responsible for the reputation that they are dirty that persists today (even though it is only slightly based in fact now).
The problem continued until the 1960s, when the government undertook a program to educate the population and encourage it to practice good personal hygiene. It worked to a large extent, which is why French people who reached their teens in the late 1960s or thereafter tend to be much cleaner than their elders. The cleaner trend continues slowly, although the French are still not as clean as many other Europeans (the cleanest Europeans are the British). I'd say that a majority of the under-30 crowd is quite clean, especially among women (men are dirtier throughout Europe). There are variations that depend on social class, education, etc.
Americans, incidentally, rank roughly with the English for personal hygiene.
Jul 29th, 2006, 03:43 AM
#116
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Interestingly, more than 100 people have died in the current, or recent, central California heatwave because they didn't have access to air conditioning as the temperature sooared to over 100 degrees.
Do you need air conditioning when it gets hot? Gee, I dunno..why not ask the relatives of all those dead folks and see what they say.
Do you need air conditioning when it gets hot? Gee, I dunno..why not ask the relatives of all those dead folks and see what they say.
Jul 29th, 2006, 08:01 AM
#117
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In cities like Phoenix, failure of air conditioning in summer is considered an emergency, like a gas leak. The temperature can easily rise enough to kill a person in a few hours.
The media continue to insist on the fact that many victims are elderly, perhaps to reassure their audiences, but the fact is that hot weather can easily kill anyone, even someone in perfect health and in the prime of life.
The media continue to insist on the fact that many victims are elderly, perhaps to reassure their audiences, but the fact is that hot weather can easily kill anyone, even someone in perfect health and in the prime of life.
