Deadly heatwaves force an ageing France to confront a hotter future

France experienced a severe heatwave, causing many excess deaths and straining funeral services. Funeral director Gautier Caton rented refrigerated containers to store bodies arriving at high rates. Authorities acknowledge lessons learned from 2003 but face structural vulnerabilities in public facilities. The government plans cooling investments while balancing deficits and defense spending needs. Elderly care homes lack adequate air conditioning, highlighting a critical need for upgrades.