Canal Saint-Martin becomes cooling spot as heatwave grips Paris

Paris faces a severe heatwave as temperatures climb towards 40C, placing much of France under red alert.

Across the city, residents and tourists gather around public fountains, refill water bottles and cool off in shallow pools. Others head to the Canal Saint-Martin, diving from bridges or swimming in the water.

The scenes show how people are coping with extreme heat in a country where air conditioning remains relatively uncommon.

Authorities have raised wildfire readiness, restricted alcohol consumption in some public spaces and cancelled outdoor events to reduce risks.