France faces heavy traffic jams and road safety crackdown during July holidays

France’s major highways are expected to experience severe congestion from July 17‑19 as families travel for the summer vacation weekend. Bison Futé warned of orange and red traffic levels on the A6, A10, A31 and other routes, especially in the northeast, Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes and along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Vinci Autoroutes projected dense traffic on the A7, A9, A10, A11, A71 and A75, with particular pressure on routes toward the Rhône valley, the Atlantic façade and the Spanish border.

Regional authorities highlighted safety concerns. The Gard prefecture reported 23 road‑related deaths since the start of the year, including three fatalities in June, and announced intensified speed‑monitoring operations over the summer. In Aveyron, police withdrew 21 driving licences after motorists were caught traveling up to 200 km/h on the A75 and other high‑speed offences, alongside vehicle impoundments and pending court proceedings.

Officials urged drivers to plan journeys carefully, avoid peak hours, respect speed limits and take regular breaks, aiming to reduce congestion and prevent further accidents during the busy holiday period.