On a very hot day near Gare de Lyon, the best plan is to reduce direct sun, refill water often and move the hardest walking to the cooler part of the day. You do not need to abandon sightseeing, but midday is a poor time to force a long exposed route.

The City of Paris lists more than 1,400 cooling places, about 1,300 water points and hundreds of green spaces that can help on very hot days.

Make the next hour easier

  • Refill your bottle before it is empty.
  • Use shaded streets, arcades or gardens for the next walking section.
  • Sit down before you feel exhausted.
  • Move an indoor visit into the hottest part of the afternoon.

Water is easy to find

Paris has about 1,300 public drinking-water points and fountains. The water comes from the same drinking-water network used by Paris buildings, and Eau de Paris maintains the fountains.

Visiting Gare de Lyon with less sun exposure

Arrive earlier in the morning or later in the day when possible. If you must visit around midday, shorten the outdoor part and know where your next shade or indoor stop will be. Children and older travelers may need breaks more often than the route time suggests.