The holiday season is upon us, and as families across France prepare to reunite for Christmas celebrations, traffic congestion is anticipated to be significant, particularly on December 20, 2024. According to Bison Futé, the traffic conditions are expected to be heavily impacted, marking the beginning of two weeks of holiday travel coinciding with school breaks and increased consumer activity associated with holiday shopping.
Difficult traffic conditions are forecasted nationwide, particularly on December 20. Classed orange at the national level and red for Île-de-France, this Friday will see major routes filled with travelers heading to vacation spots and family gatherings. Bison Futé has highlighted key areas where traffic will likely be at its worst, especially on routes leading to the Alps (A43 and access to the Mont-Blanc Tunnel) and the Mediterranean region (A7, A50).
There are additional routes to watch out for, including A1, A25, A31, and A35, as well as dense traffic expected on the A6, A3, and A86. The Paris region will experience heavy congestion from late morning, as commuters and holiday travelers hit the roads, drawn by the approach of Christmas.
Bison Futé’s “traffic light” system predicts high levels of difficulty. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys carefully to avoid the peak periods. They recommend leaving or passing through Île-de-France before 10 AM on December 20 to circumvent the worst of the traffic. Specific times to avoid include:
- A1 between Paris and Lille from 3 PM to 7 PM
- A25, between Lille and Socx, from 4 PM to 7 PM
- A31, between Nancy and Luxembourg, from 3 PM to 7 PM
- A7, between Vienne and Marseille, from 4 PM to 7 PM
- A50, between Marseille and Toulon, from 3 PM to 9 PM
- A46 and National Road N346 for the eastern bypass of Lyon, from 2 PM to 8 PM
- Mont-Blanc Tunnel (N205), between France and Italy, from 2 PM to 7 PM
The impact of this congestion is not limited to December 20. Bison Futé notes expectations of smoother travel conditions over the ensuing weekend, December 21 and 22, though slight difficulties can still arise, particularly around commercial centers as Christmas approaches. These factors suggest busy shopping days which will contribute to localized congestion.
While Saturday is expected to remain orange only for Île-de-France, on December 22, the traffic forecast shifts to green at the national level, indicating smoother travel, highlighting the need for holiday travelers to start their journeys post early morning hours, preferably around 5 AM or after 4 PM.
The following week, the days leading up to Christmas will again bring heightened traffic levels, particularly on Monday, December 23, shifting back to orange for the Île-de-France area. On this day, first traffic jams could be seen starting late morning, especially on routes converging toward the A6 and A10 highways.
On the eve of Christmas, December 24, travelers should also expect rising congestion. Conditions will be relatively favorable during the morning, positioning December 24 for significant local travel as commuters weave through family gatherings. Travelers are urged to depart from or navigate through Île-de-France before 10 AM to minimize delays.
Bison Futé’s projections underline the importance of planning strategically by avoiding the busiest travel times. With the holiday season traditionally being one of the heavily traveled times of the year, adherence to the recommended departure windows and choosing alternative routes will be key to making the holiday travel experience smoother.
It's also worth noting the potential impact of weather conditions on traffic, as rain or snow could lead to additional delays. Motorists are reminded to adjust their driving based on weather factors, take breaks during long drives, and remain alert to road conditions.
So as the holidays draw near, planning your travels through France is undeniably prudent. With these forecasts and tips from Bison Futé, anyone willing to heed the advice can hopefully enjoy the festive spirit without the stress of being stuck on the road.
