What to Expect on France’s Roads This First Weekend of August
On the road in France in 2025?
Summer traffic is expected to be heavy as usual this year, with several RED days (circulation très difficile) and 5 BLACK days. (Circulation extrêmement difficile).
These are certainly days to avoid travelling on motorways and major roads, but many local areas get snagged up too, as visitors come on and off motorways, or head into small towns and seaside resorts, so good days to stay at home, get out the bikes, or walk.
DID YOU KNOW?
The national traffic website for Highways in France is called Bison Futé….meaning clever bison!
Check out these dates.
1 ile-de-France
2 Grand-Ouest et Nord
3 Bourgogne et Est
4 Auvergne – Rhône-Alpes
5 Sud-Ouest
6 Arc méditerranéen
(CLICK ON THE LINK FOR A CLEARER VERSION)
This crossover of the “juilletistes and aoutiens” (see below) sees millions of people moving across the country and traffic monitor Bison Fute issues FOUR of its rare ‘black alerts’ this year, forecasting nevertheless several hundred kilometres of potential jams.
Motorways along the Mediterranean coast, and main routes from north to south and vice versa are expected to be very busy at these times. Check out BISON FUTE, government funded advice agency which monitors traffic and gives useful tips and advice for avoiding the hotspots, with a ‘realtime’ map and info constantly updated.
Check out other periods and real time hotspots to avoid at bisonfute. or ring 0 800 100 200 for real time info. (0033 892 68 78 88 from abroad)
Find out about the ‘chassé-croisé des juillettistes et des aoûtiens’……..
KNOWN SUMMER BLACKSPOTS TO AVOID
A9: Between Nîmes and Montpellier
A9: Béziers to the Spanish Border
A61: Toulouse to Narbonne
Travel Tips Before You Go
- Leave early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the worst delays
- Plan breaks at quieter rest areas or small towns nearby
- Stay updated via traffic apps and local radio stations
- Keep water, snacks, and essentials in the car just in case
- Keep a constant eye out for scammers, particularly in service areas.
No Toll Booths, But You Still Have to Pay: Tourists Fined on France’s New A13 Motorway
While many drivers are preparing for heavy traffic, others are being caught off guard by France’s new free-flow toll systems. In particular, the A13 motorway, linking Paris and Normandy, has caused confusion since toll booths were removed in March 2025.
Although there are no physical barriers, drivers are still required to pay tolls. The system now uses cameras to scan license plates, but tourists and foreign-registered vehicles are often unaware of this change and are being fined as a result.
Payment can be made:
- Automatically, if you have a toll badge or account with the motorway operator
- Online via the operator’s website
- At partner tabacs or payment terminals near the motorway
But many tourists say the system is not clearly explained. A Czech driver told French media it was difficult to find information in English. An American tourist, unaware of the change, ended up with a fine of several hundred euros after using a different toll road (A14) without paying.
If you fail to pay:
- You’ll receive a €90 fine, which can rise to €375 if unpaid within 60 days
- Signs are in place, but mostly in French, which has led to criticism and calls for multilingual signage
Motorway operator Sanef has recommended that international drivers create an online account, allowing them to receive payment reminders or set up automatic billing. If you think you’ve been wrongly fined, you can contact their customer service to dispute it.
Whether you’re hitting the coast or exploring France’s inland towns, it’s not just traffic you’ll want to keep an eye on this weekend. Stay informed, plan ahead, and avoid unnecessary surprises on the road.
Safe travels from the P-O Life team.