In France, you learn that the real luxury is the coolness of summer, writes Annastiina Heikkilä, ‘s French journalist.
AVEYRON I spent the Midsummer weekend in the French countryside in Aveyron. It is easier to withstand the heat there than in Paris, as forests and fields do not collect heat in the same way as a densely built-up city.
Of course, heat and drought have taken their toll in rural areas as well. The land had burned to the ground and the usually lush vegetation had turned into a brown clump. While driving here, no cows were seen grazing on the mountain slopes. They had nothing to eat.
Last weeks animals and humans have had the best time staying inside. Temperatures have risen to 40 degrees and many cities have broken their June heat records.
Fortunately, a centuries-old stone house in Aveyron can be kept reasonably cool, as long as you remember to close the windows and doors all day. Inside it is dark at the time but otherwise comfortable. At night, the apartment can be ventilated without the noise nuisance caused by the Scooters and the downstairs terrace, which feels heavenly.
No wonder thousands of Parisians have rushed out of town in recent weeks. No French city, but especially a million city like Paris, has been made for 35-degree heat.
Only an air-conditioned car or department store can escape the heat in Paris. A momentary relief comes with a cold shower, iced tea and a sheet made in the freezer compartment.
Exceptionally hot weather has been the number one topic in France in recent weeks. The heat is no longer enjoyed in the same way as in Finland, but the weather map glowing in red is mostly terrifying.
– You can no longer live in Paris during the summer, complained a familiar clothing retailer and asked if it was cooler in Finland.
When I told my home country the early summer was cool and rainy, the woman’s eyes lit up. The light went out when I told you that it is also hot in Finland at the moment.
– But nowhere is better than in Paris. Shining here, he gasped and said he was considering moving to a small town in northern France, close to the sea.
What about the Midsummer weather in the Aveyron countryside? The Midsummer Eve was finally rainy and relatively cool, which was absolutely wonderful. I enjoy reading books and playing sports. I cycled uphill without passing and the thoughts flowed much more clearly than in the time of megaheletics.
On Midsummer night, I sat in the pouring rain on the patio and watched the water droplets soak into the parched ground. The grass seemed to get more color quickly and almost turn green in his eyes.
Yesterday the first cows were seen on the slopes of the village. They sat in the drizzle with seeming satisfaction.
I argue that summer rain and a little coolness is a real luxury. You will even want to travel after them in the future.