Ask Karen: Paris in hot, hot, hot July and August

Dear Barry: Without a doubt, it has been EXCEPTIONALLY hot in France and all of Europe this summer. Experts are divided on the cause of this year’s heat wave; some point to global warming and think it’s a trend here to stay, while others contend that an unusually hot summer is not definitive proof.  Last summer, for example, was relatively mild and there were very few days of terribly hot weather. Having said that, I’d still opt for a hotel with air-conditioning.  Why risk being uncomfortable?  I would also ask the hotel manager when the air-conditioning was installed since earlier versions are not what Americans consider to be AC. If your budget doesn’t allow a hotel with air-conditioning, request a room facing the courtyard if possible.  A little space overlooking some green can help a lot and you’ll be able to open the windows in the evening without listening to the whirl of traffic all night long.  After this year’s summer from “inferno,” I can’t imagine any hotel owner/manager worth his or her salt not stocking up on fans. If you’re renting an apartment, assume that it will NOT have air-conditioning, especially if it is not brand new—and even then. It’s difficult (if not impossible) to retrofit a 100 year-old building, plus there are historic preservation laws,which negate the idea of it. Do make sure that the landlord provides sufficient fans and do as the French do: close your shutters at high noon when the sun is at it’s peak. …And, find a restaurant or two in your quatier, which you like and have AC! Best, Karen (who is in Paris and feeling the heat).