How to avoid massive traffic jams amidst holidays and ski season

This weekend is set to see heavy traffic in eastern France, as the half-term school holidays for both zones B and C overlap. 

Traffic watchdog Bison Futé has raised red-level traffic warnings – the second highest possible – in the Grand-Est, Auvergne-Rhône-Alps and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regions on Saturday (February 15). 

It has also raised less severe yellow warnings throughout the rest of the weekend in other areas including Paris, as families leave en masse to ski resorts to enjoy the break. 

Several roads will see high levels of traffic, most notably the A6, A40 and A43, and to a lesser extent the A31 and A39. Local, smaller roads in the regions may also be busy.

If you are planning to travel, there are some things you can do to minimise the risk of being caught in traffic. 

Plan route well and leave early (or late) 

The first thing to do if possible is avoid the busiest hours on motorways and other major roads.

Generally, traffic is busiest between 07:00 and 17:00, although in some cases – especially on Fridays when people are working during the day – can last longer into the evening.

You can check the roads expected to be busiest during the course of a week or weekend on the Buson Futé website.

Heading off very early in the morning or considerably later in the evening can help you avoid the bulk of traffic. 

Researching your route is also a good way to reduce time spent in traffic. 

Consider using the lesser-known roads (national and departmental roads) instead of solely motorways, especially if you know the area well.

Many sat-navs and route-planning apps will give you the option to avoid motorways or certain roads when making your journey. Use this to full effect to avoid the busiest roads. 

Some roads are simply unavoidable, and many of these will also include tolls (péages). 

Less-seasoned drivers can cause delays, for example paying at the tolls can take time as they search for money or bank cards, causing already-long queues to take even longer.

However, those with a toll-badge (télépéage) can use dedicated lanes that are usually significantly shorter and allow quicker passage time. 

The badges also work on barrier-free toll roads. 

Read more: Four changes for drivers in France in February 2025

Ensure car is well-stocked and ready to go

Finally, a tip for those travelling in winter is to check your car is prepared for the conditions before heading off. 

Check the weather report from state forecaster Météo France to see if there are warnings for snowy/icy conditions (neige-verglas) along your route. 

In addition see if you are required to use snow tyres, chains, or socks in any of the areas you are visiting. 

Fines are not being issued this year to drivers who do not have them when needed - they will instead be informed of the rule change if caught. However if involved in an accident without the correct tyres / equipment the vehicle insurance may be invalidated.

Read more: Snow tyres may still be needed for insurance claims in France 

Make sure you have an emergency pack filled with supplies (food, drink, a change of warm clothes, blanket, torch with batteries, phone with charge etc) and the necessary items for your vehicle in case of breakdown. 

Read more: What must drivers carry in their cars in France?