Heatwave: Bordeaux's historic center residents suffer without shutters due to heritage rules

Bordeaux is experiencing scorching temperatures, with residents in the historic heart of the city struggling to cope without shutters. Many buildings in the city center, particularly Haussmannian-style structures, lack these essential features, which were largely removed rather than restored in the 20th century.

This absence of shutters, blinds, and jalousies is acutely felt during the current heatwave. The city's architectural heritage preservation policies, deemed "somewhat purist" by some, have led to the removal of these elements. A strict preservation and enhancement plan adopted in the late 20th century, further reinforced in 2007 by the UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Port of the Moon, dictates these regulations.

However, as Bordeaux faces increasingly severe heatwaves, with temperatures frequently reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), these heritage rules appear ill-suited to the realities of climate change. Residents are finding their apartments unbearably hot, prompting some to seek ways to install sunshades, despite the restrictive regulations.

The situation highlights a growing tension between preserving historical aesthetics and adapting urban environments to a warming climate. The lack of protection from the sun exacerbates the impact of heatwaves on the city's inhabitants.