@reuters: France experienced its hottest day on record on June 23, the Météo-France weather service said, with temperatures peaking at 111.74 degrees Fahrenheit in one town in the southwest. Across the country, people have been jumping into canals and rivers to cool off. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari said she understood the urge to escape the heat but warned against swimming in unauthorized or dangerous areas. Reuters France and Benelux Bureau Chief Richard Lough reports from Paris. #france #heatwave #extremeheat #climate #paris