So I take it that a Safari in Kenya would be out of the question then?

Well, the average high in August in Nairobi is 72. I'd risk a safari since it's a specialized experience. But I'd get the A/C in France if it's available.

But the whole point of the original question is whether to skip a chateau/hotel because it didn't have a/c - and the resounding answer apparently and unbelievably is yes. Since we're on the subject of average temperatures - the high in July/August is 78 (source: http://www.gb.associates.btinternet....tages/area.htm). Hardly worth skipping a perfect place to stay for is it, just because there may be no aircon?

Sorry - average of 78 in the Loire Valley that is.

The very pleasant Domaine de la Tortinière has a/c in some of its pretty rooms, but the restaurant does not and can get quite warm.

We've been back for 2 weeks from a trip to the Loire valley. One day it did hit the lower 90's. But, we were fine sleeping at night (no ac) and didn't swelter. However, we were really glad to have cross ventilation in our hotel room; that is what made the difference. What we have noticed is that unless there is a horrible heat wave like last summer, places we've visited in Europe tend to cool down at night in contrast to here at home where if it is really hot during the day it is really hot at night also. I should add that we were in Krakow, Poland last August during the terrible heat wave. We had a large, lovely room in Krakow which had windows on only one side, and we thought we would die of the heat at night. We were lying spread-eagle on our beds hoping to cool down. We finally left a day early to go to the mountains to escape the heat. I do need to add that this trip was an exception and we have never wished we had ac on any summer trip to Europe.

Have fun sweating. I'd never do it in a million years at that time of year, maybe in March, surely not in August. Good luck. And to poster "AR"...YES, its TOTALLY an American thing to want air conditioning and ice (and a good toilet)

Tedgale made a great point about the north/south demarcation line being the Loire. It is noticeably hotter and "muggier" once you cross south of the Loire river.

I guess the answer lies in how sensitive you are to heat and how badly you want a chateau experience. Hope you have a great time, whatever you decide.

If you could be guaranteed that the Loire would be around the average of 78 on the particular nights you are there, then of course A/C would not be necessary. However, I won't guarantee that for you.

Anyone who picks a hotel on just the fact that it has a/c is an arse.

Note to AR:I don't consider myself an "arse" (whatever that is, though I have a good idea!), but I chose a mas in Provence based on it having a/c. It was only a question of 10 Euros a night more and I thought it would be more comfortablein the hot evenings. It is important to me and my husband. By the way, talking about stereotypes, you managed to burst one for me. I always throught the English the most civil of all nationalities. Never seemed to meet rudeness from the English in England or abroad, but thanks to you I see exceptions can be made. (If AR is not English, I apologize in advance for my mistake and that I can continue thinking that the English are the politest people on earth!)