What to Expect on France’s Roads This Final Weekend of July
As the last weekend of July approaches, France is preparing for one of the busiest travel moments of the summer. With many families heading off on holiday or returning from one, roads across the country, especially in the south, are expected to be heavily congested.
According to Vinci Autoroutes, traffic is expected to be challenging on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26, with all of France marked red in the direction of departures. If you’re planning a drive this weekend, here’s a breakdown of what to expect on two key motorways: the A9 and A61.
A9: Between Nîmes and Montpellier
- Friday (July 25): Traffic from 9 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday (July 26): Busy from 7 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday & Monday: Congestion between 9 AM and 1 PM
Montpellier to Nîmes direction:
- Friday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Monday: 10 AM – 4 PM
A9: Béziers to the Spanish Border
Southbound toward Spain:
- Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday & Monday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Northbound toward Béziers:
- Friday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 12 PM
A61: Toulouse to Narbonne
- Friday: 3 PM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Monday: Midday traffic expected
Toulouse-bound:
- Friday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 12 PM
- Sunday: 3 PM – 8 PM
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
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.
Find out about the chassé-croisé des juillettistes et des aoûtiens
Hi, I’m Juliana — a 21-year-old journalism student from Malta, now exploring the world one story at a time. I’m currently doing an Erasmus experience with Kate, at PO Life magazine. When I’m not chasing headlines or snapping photos, you’ll find me diving into local culture, youth issues, and all the moments that often go unnoticed. I’m all about sharing stories that connect us, whether through words or pictures.