A 2026 law now actively discourages the use of AC in new residential and commercial buildings in France. So how are the country's new builds being kept cool? And is it really the best approach?
Katy Wright - news@thelocal.fr
Updated: Tue 7 Jul 2026 11:38 CET
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New buildings in France are being designed not to rely on air conditioning. Photo: Francois LO PRESTI / AFP
A 2026 law now actively discourages the use of AC in new residential and commercial buildings in France. So how are the country's new builds being kept cool? And is it really the best approach?
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