When should you go on vacation to avoid traffic jams? Bison Futé sees red this weekend in Ile-de-France

The summer school vacations aren't here yet, but Bison Futé is already predicting heavy traffic. For this Friday, June 28, 2024, all roads are classified orange, except in the Île-de-France region where the situation is even more critical with a red classification, for departures as well as returns. So, what can you do? How to get around on the main roads without being too badly affected? It has to be said that a good number of schoolchildren have already finished, and that the departures also concern all those who are not subject to the school period.

Anticipate to avoid traffic jams

Although some holidaymakers are trying to leave before July 7 to avoid the crowds, they are likely to find themselves on the roads in large numbers. Bison Futé has classified most of France in orange, and the Île-de-France region in red, for this Friday June 28. Traffic will be heavy from mid-afternoon until early evening, especially on routes to the Mediterranean Arc (A7, A8, A50, A57), the Atlantic coast (A63, N165) and the north-eastern borders (A25). In the Île-de-France region, the A10 and A6 freeways will be particularly congested from late morning onwards.

Forecast for Saturday and Sunday

On Saturday June 29 and Sunday June 30, traffic is generally improving, with the majority of roads in green. However, traffic jams are expected from early morning in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region (A7, A75, N205) and in the Île-de-France region (A6, A10, A13). These delays could last until early afternoon. On Sunday, difficulties will mainly be in the return direction on the same routes, between mid-afternoon and late evening.

Reasons for the early rush

With the official start of the school vacations only a week away, this traffic density can be explained by the early departure of holidaymakers not subject to school constraints, and by the arrival of foreign tourists.

Tips for avoiding traffic jams

To avoid traffic jams this Friday, June 28, Bison Futé recommends :

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• In the outbound direction:

  • Leave or cross the Île-de-France region before 12pm.
  • Avoid the following freeways at the times indicated:
    • A25 between Lille and Socx: 3pm-7pm
    • A63 between Bordeaux and Bayonne: 3pm-8pm
    • A7 between Lyon and Marseille: 15h-20h
    • A8 between Coudoux and Nice: 3pm-7pm
    • A50 between Marseille and Toulon: 17h-20h
    • A57 between Toulon and Le Luc: 16h-19h
    • Mont-Blanc tunnel (N205) between France and Italy: 11am-9pm

• In the return direction:

  • Avoid the following freeways at the times indicated:
    • A1 between Lille and Paris: 3pm-7pm
    • A2 between Belgium and Combles: 3pm-7pm
    • A64 between Bayonne and Pau: 17h-19h
    • A7 between Marseille and Lyon: 10am-8pm
    • A8 between Nice and Coudoux: 4pm-7pm
    • A47 between Saint-Étienne and Lyon: 9am-7pm
    • A46 and route nationale N346

By planning your journeys and following Bison Futé's advice, you can reduce the risk of getting stuck in traffic and make the most of your vacation right from the start. We hope these tips will help you avoid the worst traffic jams in the Paris region this vacation weekend. Have a good trip, and don't forget to take breaks and stay well hydrated.