France's major highways face severe congestion and heat warnings during first weekend of 2026 summer holidays

Bison Futé warned that the first weekend of the 2026 summer holidays (3‑5 July) will be among the most congested on French motorways. Heavy traffic is expected on the A10, A7, A13 and the N205 Mont‑Blanc tunnel on Friday and Saturday, especially toward the Atlantic coast, Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes, the Mediterranean and the north‑east quadrant. Sunday is forecast to be calmer, though some hotspots will remain.

Autoroutes Paris‑Rhin‑Rhône (APRR) is preparing for the surge by urging drivers to carry water, use the hydration stations placed every 25 km and take regular breaks. The company has increased staff presence, provided climate‑controlled rest areas for employees, and limited night‑time works to protect workers from temperatures above 40 °C. APRR also promotes its SOS Autoroute app for rapid assistance and notes a rise in vehicle breakdowns linked to overheating during recent heatwaves. Environmental adjustments, such as altered mowing schedules to reduce fire risk, are also being implemented.