Saint-Denis – 18.06.2026: The sun beats down relentlessly on the streets of Saint-Denis, a city north of Paris particularly affected by the current heatwave. Temperatures have been exceeding 35 degrees Celsius for days, and the humidity makes breathing difficult. For the city’s socially vulnerable, this is especially challenging.
The Fondation du Logement has found in a recent study that the poorest households in France are twice as likely to experience energy poverty as the average. In Saint-Denis, where a significant portion of the population lives in precarious conditions, the effects of the heatwave are particularly severe. Many apartments are poorly insulated and turn into real heat traps during the day.
The Saint-Denis city administration responded early by establishing a comprehensive plan to support citizens during the heatwave. A central element is the establishment of cooling rooms in various public facilities. For example, the Mediatheque in the city center and the Basilica of Saint-Denis remain open during the hottest hours of the day, offering residents a place to refresh themselves.
Additionally, special information campaigns have been launched to educate the population about the dangers of heat and necessary protective measures. “Il faut veiller à ce qu’il n’y ait pas de déshydratation” – “We must ensure there is no dehydration” – is one of the key messages. Regular water intake, avoiding alcohol and physical exertion, as well as seeking cool places are recommended.
Despite these measures, the situation remains tense. Especially elderly people and those with chronic illnesses are at risk. The city has therefore created a registry for particularly vulnerable citizens to ensure they receive regular care during the heatwave.
The current heatwave has once again highlighted existing social inequalities in Saint-Denis. While wealthier neighborhoods have air-conditioned apartments and gardens, the poorest districts are hardest hit. The city administration thus stresses the need to find long-term solutions to strengthen the resilience of the socially vulnerable to extreme weather events.
In the coming days, further measures are expected to mitigate the effects of the heatwave. The city administration calls on citizens to remain vigilant and seek help if needed. “Il faut veiller à ce qu’il n’y ait pas de déshydratation” – “We must ensure there is no dehydration” – remains the central message in these hot days.