French people struggling to beat the heat have booked up hotel rooms for pool and air conditioner access as temperatures hit a record 40.9 degrees celsius.

(Bloomberg) -- France recorded its hottest ever night and day as the heat wave searing western Europe deepened, disrupting schools, transport and tourist sites.

The average daily temperature across the country hit an all-time high of 29.8C on Tuesday, according to government forecaster Météo-France. | World News