As France endures another summer of punishing temperatures, an unlikely item has become one of the country's hottest commodities. Not air conditioners or cooling fans, but crushed chalk.
Across parts of the country, shelves are reportedly emptying of Blanc de Meudon, a powdered form of chalk traditionally used for cleaning and paint preparation. Mixed with water and brushed onto windows, it leaves behind a thin white film that reflects sunlight before it can heat indoor spaces, offering households a low-cost way to cope with soaring temperatures. French media outlets, including Ouest-France , have reported shortages of the product as demand surged following widespread attention on social media.
