Ascension Day: Bison Futé sees no traffic in the Paris region, how to avoid traffic jams?

The Ascension Bridge promises to be particularly difficult for motorists in the Paris region. Bison Futé forecasts heavy traffic from Wednesday May 28, 2025 and especially on Sunday June 1, a day classified as black in the return direction. The main routes to the coast and south of the country will be the most affected. Here are the detailed forecasts and advice on how to avoid traffic jams.

Ascension Day arrives, and with it the promise of 4 days of respite. Bison Futé anticipates heavy traffic from Wednesday May 28 in the Île-de-France region. A long weekend which, unfortunately, rhymes with traffic jams. For a travel experience with the least possible stress, we advise you to follow the Bison Futé forecasts and plan your journeys accordingly.

Severe traffic disruptions for Wednesday departures

Bison Futé forecasts red traffic in the Île-de-France region from Wednesday May 28. Motorists are advised to leave the region before 10am or after midnight. The busiest routes will be the A10 and A6 freeways, with heavy traffic around toll booths until the evening. Roads to the Normandy (A13), Atlantic (A10, A11, A63) and Mediterranean (A7, A9, A61) coasts will also be heavily congested.

What are the best times to leave on Wednesday and Thursday?

On Wednesday May 28, motorists should avoid :

TheA13 between Paris and Caen, from 5pm to 8pm
TheA11 between Angers and Nantes, from 4pm to 7pm
TheA7 between Lyon and Orange, from 4pm to 11pm

Thursday May 29, classified red for departures:

TheA13 from mid-morning onwards
TheA10 between Orleans and Tours, from 11am to 1pm
TheA7 between Lyon and Orange, from 11am to 5pm

Bison Futé recommends leaving the Paris region before 5am or after 4pm that day to limit inconvenience.

Which roads to avoid when returning home from the weekend?

The most difficult day will be Sunday June 1, classified as black by Bison Futé. Traffic will be extremely difficult in the return direction, particularly from Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire and Hauts-de-France. The freeways concerned are :

A13, A11, A81, RN165 in the north-west quarter
A10, A63 in the south-west
A7, A9, A61 in the south-east

In the Île-de-France region, the A10, A13 and A6 freeways will be heavily congested from late morning until late evening.

Tips for avoiding traffic jams

For departures:

Leave the Paris region before 10 a.m. or after midnight on Wednesday, and before 5 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on Thursday.
Avoid the main roads listed by Bison Futé during critical hours

For returns:

Reach Île-de-France before 3pm or after 8pm on Sunday
Avoid in particular the A1, A7, A9, A61 and Mont-Blanc tunnels

The Pont de l'Ascension is traditionally a period of heavy traffic, but with careful planning it is possible to minimize inconvenience and enjoy the long weekend. Keep up to date with the latest traffic updates and adjust your plans accordingly for a more enjoyable journey.