Holiday departures will continue from this Thursday, the day after Christmas, with several regions classified in Orange by Bison Futé until Sunday December 29.
While Bison Futé predicted heavy traffic in the last days before Christmas, what should we expect after December 25? In the middle of the school vacation period, we are still expecting many trips, mainly in Île-de-France and in the eastern half of the country.
With the return of cold and snow to the French mountains, don't forget to equip yourself with winter tires or removable equipment. They are compulsory for driving from November 1 to March 31 in 34 departments… and will above all prevent you from finding yourself stuck on the road.
Orange Thursday in Île-de-France
The day of Thursday, December 26 is thus classified in orange by Bison Futé in Île-de-France, in the direction of departures and arrivals.
“Traffic is expected to be heavy from the end of the morning, particularly towards the toll gates of the A6 and A10 motorways,” anticipates the traffic forecast service.
Among the main expected difficulties: transit axes such as the A3, A86 and A6B motorways, or the ring road.
It's up to you to tell us: Free-flowing highways, no more toll barriers – 09/12
At the end of the day, daily journeys between work and home could increase slowdowns.
In this context and in the direction of departures, Bison Futé recommends leaving or crossing Île-de-France before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. In the direction of returns, it is advisable to reach or cross Île-de-France before 11 a.m.
Orange Friday in the East
Traffic difficulties will mainly affect the East of France this Friday, December 27. The Grand Est and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions are therefore classified orange.
“In the direction of departures, the main congestion will concern the axes towards the borders of Luxembourg and Germany (A4 and A31) and in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (A6, A46, A43)”, notes Bison Futé.
Another disrupted Saturday
The traffic difficulties will not end with this last weekend of the year.
Bison Futé has thus classified this day as orange in the sense of departures and returns to Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, but also and only in the sense of returns to Île-de-France.
In the Rhône valley, congestion is expected mainly on the A43 and A48 motorways, but also on the N85, from late morning until late afternoon. Also pay attention on the roads coming from the Mediterranean Arc, the A7 in particular.
In Île-de-France, heavy traffic is expected on the A10 and A6 motorways between late morning and mid-evening.
A Sunday of complicated returns to Île-de-France
Sunday, December 29 could be even more complicated in terms of returns to Île-de-France, a day classified orange by Bison Futé in this region.
“The expected flow rates at the various toll gates on the A10 and A6 motorways will be relatively high and should make traffic difficult until the early evening,” notes the press release.
Main advice for this day: reach or leave Île-de-France before 11 a.m.