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Traffic warnings in France for second chassé-croisé weekend

France’s roads watchdog has issued its highest gridlock alert for the second ‘crossover’ weekend of the holiday season, advising travellers to avoid non-essential journeys on Saturday.

Published: 2 August 2024 10:53 CEST

Traffic backed up on a motorway near Bordeaux. (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP)

French roads watchdog Bison Futé has forecast extremely difficult driving conditions this weekend in France, in the second chassé-croisé of the summer, which is when holidaymakers return from July trips and others head off on their August holidays.

Heavy traffic conditions on France’s main arteries are predicted from Friday, August 2nd, all the way through to Monday, August 5th. Bison Futé has advised against taking long journeys on Saturday, due to high levels of holiday traffic.

Traffic will be difficult throughout the weekend in the Rhône valley and along the Mediterranean in both directions.

Olympic Games

Bison Futé also issued a reminder of the specific travel restrictions in place in and around Paris throughout the Olympic Games, with lanes along the A1, A4, A12 and A13, as well as the N13 and the boulevard périphérique reserved for official Olympic Games traffic.

Other roads in the vicinity of Olympic venues, both in the Paris region and elsewhere in France, may be particularly busy at the time of the events. Here is how to check for disruption and road closures in your area.

Meanwhile, the annual holiday getaways-and-returns continue, leading to likely hold-ups on many routes across the country.

Friday, August 2nd

Travel away from the cities and in the direction of France’s main holiday resorts will be heavy all day, Bison Futé warned, with slow-moving traffic likely in the north-east, towards Spain from both the west and south coasts, and towards the Mediterranean arc.

Travel through the Massif Central is expected to be difficult, while traffic levels will be heavy in Paris region from mid-morning, getting worse in the afternoon when the regular commute kicks in.

Map: Bison Futé

Specific advice for travellers on Friday is:

Outbound

leave or cross the Île-de-France before 12noon;
avoid the A7 between Lyon and Orange, from 2pm to 6pm, and between Salon-de-Provence and Marseille from 4pm to 6pm;
avoid the A2 between Combles and Belgium from 12noon to 8pm;
avoid the A8 between Aix-en-Provence and Italy from 4pm to 6pm;
avoid the A9 between Narbonne and Spain from 10am to 6pm;
avoid the A10 near Bordeaux from 11am to 9pm;
avoid the A63 between Bordeaux and Spain from 11am to 5pm;
avoid the Mont-Blanc tunnel (N205), heading into Italy from 11am to 6pm.

Returns

avoid the Île-de-France after 12noon;
avoid the A8 between Italy and Aix-en-Provence from 5pm to 7pm;
avoid the A7 between Marseille and Salon-de-Provence from 12noon to 5pm, and between Orange and Lyon from 4pm to 8pm;
avoid the A9 between Narbonne and Montpellier from 5pm to 8pm;
avoid the A63 between Spain and Bordeaux from 11am to 1pm;
avoid the A89 between Bordeaux and Lyon from 11am to 1pm;
avoid the Mont-Blanc tunnel (N205), heading into France from 1pm to 7pm.

Saturday, August 3rd

The busiest travel day of the weekend, as the first of the ‘aoûtiens’ holiday crowd get away.

Bison Futé has placed the country on the ‘black’ level alert, warning that traffic will be extremely heavy for departures.

The watchdog warned that this will especially be the case for roads heading towards France’s coastal areas and borders, as well as holiday resorts, with the peak travel period coming at the end of the morning.

Meanwhile, returning holidaymakers are expected to see numerous hold-ups, particularly around Paris and along the Mediterranean arc.

Map: Bison Futé

In particular, Bison Futé advises:

Outbound

leave or cross the Île-de-France region before 6am or after 1pm;
avoid the A7 between Lyon and Orange from 6am to 4pm, and between Orange and Marseille from 10am to 6pm;
avoid the A9 between Orange and Montpellier from 11am to 2pm, between Montpellier and Narbonne from 10am to 8pm, and between Narbonne and Spain, from 9am to 6pm;
avoid the A10 between Paris and Orléans from 6am to 11am, between Orléans and Poitiers from 8am to 1pm, and between Poitiers and Bordeaux from 10am to 2pm;
avoid the A61 between Toulouse and Narbonne from 10am to 4pm;
avoid the A63 between Bordeaux and Spain from 10am to 12noon;
avoid the A75 between Clermont-Ferrand and Béziers from 10am to 5pm;
avoid the N12 Rennes and Morlaix from 4pm to 6pm;
avoid the Mont-Blanc tunnel (N205) into Italy from 10am to 2pm.

Returns

avoid the Île-de-France region after 2pm;
avoid the A7 between Marseille and Orange from 12noon to 2pm, and between Orange and Lyon from 11am to 5pm;
avoid the A9 between Spain and Narbonne from 11am to 1pm, between Narbonne and Montpellier from 10am to 12noon, and between Montpellier and Orange from 5pm to 7pm;
avoid the A10 between Bordeaux and Poitiers from 10am to 5pm;
avoid the A13 between Caen and Paris from 12noon to 3pm;
avoid the A75 between Béziers and Clermont-Ferrand from 9am to 4pm;
avoid the N165 between Quimper and Nantes from 11am to 2pm;
avoid the Mont-Blanc tunnel (N205) into France from 11am to 7pm.

Sunday, August 4th

More travel problems for those heading off on their holidays, particularly in the Ile-de-France and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions, where traffic is expected to be much heavier than normal from early morning through to the evening.

Map: Bison Futé

Anyone heading home should expect difficult driving conditions just about everywhere, but especially in and around the capital – and particularly from mid-afternoon through to late evening.

In particular, the advice for road users is:

Outbound

Avoid Ile-de-France after 8am;
avoid the A7 between Lyon and Orange from 11am to 6pm, and between Salon-de-Provence and Marseille from 10am to 12noon;
avoid the A9 between Montpellier and Narbonne from 12noon to 2pm;
avoid the A10 between Poitiers and Bordeaux from 10am to 12noon;
avoid the A71 between Orléans and Clermont-Ferrand from 11am to 5pm;
avoid the A75 between Clermont-Ferrand and Béziers from 2pm to 4pm;
avoid the Mont-Blanc tunnel (N205), heading towards Italy from 12noon to 5pm.

Returns

avoid Ile-de-France after 2pm;
avoid the A7 between Marseille and Salon-de-Provence from 11am to 1pm, and between Orange and Lyon from 3pm to 5pm;
avoid the A9 between Spain and Orange from 12noon to 7pm;
avoid the A13 between Caen and Paris from 3pm to 5pm;
avoid the A75 between Béziers and Clermont-Ferrand from 3pm to 5pm;
avoid the Mont-Blanc tunnel (N205), between Italy and France, from 12noon to 7pm.

Monday, August 5th

Travel on France’s roads is forecast to be difficult nationally, and – in particular – along the Mediterranean arc, with tens of thousands of holidaymakers heading to southern areas; while routes into Spain and Italy will also be busy.

Map: Bison Futé

Bison Fute has issued the following specific advice for road users on Monday:

Outbound

avoid Ile-de-France after 10am;
avoid the A7 between Lyon and Orange from 3pm to 6pm, and between Salon-de-Provence and Marseille from 11am to 6pm;
avoid the A9 between Orange and Montpellier from 11am to 1pm, between Montpellier and Narbonne from 10am to 2pm, and between Narbonne and Spain from 10am to 12noon;
avoid the A10 near Bordeaux from 12noon to 5pm;
avoid the A61 between Toulouse and Narbonne from 12noon to 3pm;
avoid the A63 between Bordeaux and Spain from 11am to 4pm;
avoid the Mont-Blanc tunnel (N205) into Italy from 10am to 5pm.

Returns

avoid the A2 between Belgium and Combles from 1pm to 7pm;
avoid the A7 between Marseille and Salon-de-Provence from 3pm to 6pm;
avoid the A8 between Italy and Aix-en-Provence from 5pm to 7pm;
avoid the A13 between Caen and Paris from 6pm to 8pm;
avoid the A50 between Toulon and Marseille from 12noon to 6pm;
avoid the A52 between Aubagne and Fuveau from 12noon to 6pm;
avoid the Mont-Blanc tunnel (N205), into France from 11am to 9pm.

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Travel warnings for Americans in France and vice versa

Most countries offer some travel advice for their citizens, and the US and France are no exception – although both countries stress the “friendly relations” between the two nations, they offer advice for Americans travelling to France, or French people travelling to the US.

People with a good knowledge of both countries might think that some of the warnings are rather harsh, and paint an exaggerated picture of the country, but here is the official advice.

Risks in France

The US State Department says that “relations between the United States and France are active and friendly”, but the country was still placed on the second level of out of the four ‘travel advisory levels’, this means that Americans should “exercise increased caution” when visiting.

The state department country page for France – which was last updated in September 2024 – notes that this is “due to terrorism and civil unrest”.

Terrorism

US authorities warn that “terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France”.

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas,” the warn.

This is a fair advisory. In November 2015, France experienced its most deadly coordinated terrorist attack, where 130 people were killed, including 90 at the Bataclan concert hall. ISIS eventually claimed responsibility.

Recent attacks include the stabbing of three people in Paris 15th arrondissement in December 2023 by a man with psychiatric issues, as well as the murder of three Kurdish activists in Paris in October 2023, and notably the stabbing of a teacher in northern France by a man with ties to Islamist extremism.

The US government also warns that: “French police and military routinely patrol public spaces. You should expect security inspections (to include purses, bags, and backpacks) at the entrance to large public venues and businesses.”

Protests and strikes

Strikes and demonstrations in the streets are just a part of daily life in France, but the US government urges its citizens to take them seriously or better yet, avoid them altogether.

This piece of advice might invite some mockery from the French. Strikes and protests are so common in France that they can be pretty tricky to avoid entirely, especially if you live here.

Still, US authorities warn that “demonstrations can be unpredictable”, and that “French authorities may use chemical agents [tear gas] and water cannons to disperse crowds”.

While it’s true that trouble can flare up at protests, this tends to be from a small minority, usually at the end of the demo and not directed at uninvolved passers-by. Marches are often concentrated in the big cities, especially Paris, with routes published in advance so that you can stay away.

Strikes can certainly be disruptive, but it’s worth remembering that they usually delay and disrupt travel, rather than halting it altogether.

The US Embassy in France advises keeping an eye on local media (like The Local France) for updates. We couldn’t agree more – you can find our strike section here.

Crime

US authorities warn that “the majority of crimes directed against foreign visitors, including US citizens, involve pick-pocketing (passports, phones, cash, credit cards), vehicle and residential break-ins, bicycle theft, and other forms of theft.”

Pickpocketing can certainly be a problem, especially in Paris where you will regularly hear announcements on the Metro saying: “Des pickpockets peuvent être présents en station ou à bord des trains” (Pickpockets may be present at the station or on trains).

The advice is common sense – keep an eye on your belongings and lock up valuables.

The US Embassy in France also warns that visitors should be aware of ‘date-rape’ drugs, which are present in France. As such, you should “be cautious in bars and clubs where alcohol is served, and do not leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from strangers, as they may have slipped drugs into the drink.”

Travelling with a disability

Even though Paris hosted the Paralympic Games in 2024, accessibility in the capital – and the country at large – remains poor.

US authorities note that French law does prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, but travellers with disabilities should “expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation and general infrastructure” adding: “Visitors to France should expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation (subway, specifically), lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

“Getting around French cities can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Many sidewalks are narrow and uneven, and cobblestone streets make access difficult, though major tourist sites generally have better facilities.”

While there have been efforts to improve accessibility – and leaders of the Paris region recently signed onto a plan that would make the Paris Metro system fully accessible in the next 20 years, the capital city is still a long way from being easy to get around for those with disabilities.

French drivers and public transport

Aggressive drivers are a common complaint from foreigners in France, especially those in rural areas.

US authorities seem to agree (at least a little bit). They warn that “lane markings and sign placements may not be clear. Drivers should be prepared to make last-minute manoeuvers” and that “right-of-way rules differ from those in the United States.”

While French drivers might be used to the busyness on the roads, especially in cities, with motorcycles and mopeds interweaving in traffic, Americans should be cautious.

“Bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and electric skateboards are prevalent on streets, crosswalks and sometimes sidewalks. They have legal priority and often do not respect traffic signals,” the Embassy warns.

They also extend their road-related recommendations for pedestrians, saying they “should be cautious and aware of traffic even when they have a green walking signal since this is no guarantee against aggressive drivers.”

“Do not assume cars will stop for pedestrians on a crosswalk.”

Flying a drone

During the Olympic Games, the former French PM, Gabriel Attal, said that six drones were intercepted a day, but most of these were simply from “tourists wanting to take pictures”.

Those unlucky tourists found themselves under arrest, because the use of drones and drone footage is highly regulated in France.

The US Embassy warns visitors that “it is against the law in France to operate drones over public spaces (including museums, parks, streets) in urban areas and near airports, military bases, prisons, nuclear plants, and large gatherings such as outdoor concerts and parades.”

Failing to follow these rules can lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment. Thankfully, The Local has a helpful guide on what you need to know about flying a drone in France.

Risks in the United States

But travel warnings go both ways, and France has its own tips for US-bound French citizens.

Weather warnings

Americans can probably agree with the first piece of advice on France’s France’s recommendations page for travellers headed to the US.

It starts off with detailed advice about natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanoes, forest fires and flooding. They list the radio channels that give weather updates for states on the Gulf of Mexico, where hurricanes are common.

Dangerous US cities

French authorities start off by saying “the United States is one of the safest countries in the world” – but then include a section on the cities and areas where tourists should exercise heightened caution.

The cities listed include nearly all large American metropolitan areas, from Los Angeles and San Francisco, to Chicago and Detroit, and east-coast cities like Boston, New York City, Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia.

To be fair to the French, the warning is not a blanket advisory to avoid these places. Instead, French authorities dive into the specific neighbourhoods that ought to be avoided at nighttime, as well as the types of crime that are common.

For example, they warn that in San Francisco, families should avoid certain streets in the centre of the city, notably the Tenderloin district known for open-air drug use.

They also note an “increase in car-jackings in most large American cities, involving violence and threats, sometimes with weapons.” US news outlets have also reported on this.

Interacting with police

The French advice for dealing with police is to “not to make false statements, not to raise your voice, and to avoid brusque or aggressive gestures.”

This advice is likely related to the issue of police brutality and officer-involved shootings in the United States (although of course police violence is also present in France).

Avoid opioids

The opioid crisis has been an ongoing issue in the United States, and French authorities are aware of it. Overdose rates have tripled in the past decade in the United States, and the presence of fentanyl has played a large role in that.

French authorities warn that ‘classic drugs’ (ie cocaine and heroin) are increasingly cut with synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and that fentanyl “can be present in counterfeit medications, such as Xanax or oxycodone.”

They warn that “if you need pain medication, you should go to your local pharmacy and purchase an FDA-approved medication. Under no circumstances should you accept any pills that you do not buy from a pharmacy.”

No tolerance for jokes

When travelling by airplane, French authorities advise that people “answer the questions asked by employees seriously and precisely and to avoid making jokes about the contents of your baggage, as any ambiguous attitude could result in very serious problems with the security services (which could lead to incarceration).”

They also warn that “security measures taken by airlines, at the request of the American authorities, are likely to extend the time required for checks. It is recommended to make the necessary arrangements to get to the airport well in advance”.

On the topic of humour, French authorities recommend “[adopting] reserved attitude towards people of the opposite sex. Complaints of sexual harassment can also be made against minors.”

Better to leave your pick-up lines at home, Frenchies.

Prudish dress

In previous versions of the French advice page, visitors were warned that topless bathing is strictly forbidden in the US, even for little girls.

They seem to have dropped this line in the 2024 version, they did warn that “children, including babies, must wear a swimming costume (changing an infant or breast-feeding in public can be shocking in some places).”

Still, they did say Americans are “very tolerant” when it comes to dress. A backhanded compliment? Who can say . . .

Don’t freak out about guns

In their general advice, French authorities say: “In many states, the possession of firearms is authorised and commonplace. Visitors should therefore remain calm and composed in all circumstances.”

Expensive healthcare

Under the health section, French authorities gave a warning that Americans know all-too-well: “Medical infrastructure in the United States is excellent, but very expensive.”

As such, they recommend French visitors take out a travel health insurance plan to cover all medical expenses, warning that “under no circumstances will these costs be covered by the local French embassy or consulate general.”

What do you think of these warnings? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below.

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