MONTIGNY, France — “I usually like the heat, but this is just unbreathable,” Corinne sighs, seeking shade at the foot of the Lévriers residence. With a small group of neighbors, she endures the 37-degree Celsius heat this Wednesday, yet the real danger lies inside their apartments. “In my place, it must be 40 degrees. It’s tropical!” exclaims Eva, a homeowner in the complex.
A Promised Solution That Never Came
The stifling conditions plaguing residents today were supposed to be a distant memory. Four years ago, a comprehensive energy renovation plan was set to fix the building’s critical insulation failures. The project promised a full facade overhaul, roof waterproofing, and a complete ventilation system upgrade—measures designed to protect against both winter chills and summer heatwaves.
However, the cancellation of these vital works has left the structure vulnerable, transforming the apartments into heat traps during the increasingly frequent heatwaves hitting the Val-d’Oise region.
Living in a Pressure Cooker
For the inhabitants of the Lévriers residence, the daily reality has become a health risk. Poor thermal insulation means exterior temperatures are amplified indoors, creating a dangerous environment, especially for the elderly and young children.
- Indoor temperatures regularly exceed outside readings by several degrees.
- Residents report sleepless nights and difficulty breathing.
- The lack of proper ventilation traps humidity and stagnant air.
The situation highlights a growing crisis in aging apartment blocks where postponed maintenance collides with climate change. While Météo France predicts above-normal temperatures for the upcoming months, the residents of Montmagny face the prospect of enduring the rest of the summer in what they describe as an unbearable greenhouse.
