Christmas vacations: Bison Futé forecasts a difficult weekend for vacation departures

Traffic will be difficult this weekend from December 22 to 25, 2023. Bison Futé predicts numerous traffic jams, and gives us a few tips on how to avoid them.

Trains, airports, roads: many French people will be traveling this weekend from December 22 to 25, 2023. During this Christmas weekend, there will be a lot of back-and-forth between family and friends. It's hardly surprising, then, that Bison Futé is forecasting traffic jams across France in the outbound direction. The whole of France is classified as orange, while Île-de-France and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region are in red.

Santa Claus isn't the only one taking to his sleigh on December 22, 23, 24 and 25, 2023. The end-of-year festivities, the start of the school vacations: this is a busy period for events, and therefore for travel.

In fact, Bison Futé warns us: between last-minute Christmas shopping, work-to-home commutes and vacation departures, " traffic could prove difficult in the Île-de-France region and major conurbations. [This Friday, December 22], traffic will be heavy from late morning onwards towards the various toll gates , particularly on the A6 and A10 freeways. At national level, the flow of holidaymakers will be significant on the main routes, with major slowdowns to and from Lyon, particularly on the A7 in the Rhône valley. Traffic problems are also expected around major cities.

Roads will therefore remain busy on December 22, 23 and 24 on the outskirts of major cities and on main roads throughout France. December 25 should be quieter, but traffic will pick up again on December 26, on the A6 and A10 freeways, and towards the Île-de-France region.

Bison Futé also advises us to remain vigilant throughout the weekend, in the vicinity of shopping areas: " due to Christmas shopping, the roads serving shopping areas will see heavy traffic. The same applies to shopping areas in the centers of major cities.

Please note: during your travels, depending on the geographical area, the weather can also work against you. Snow, ice, rain or strong winds: remain vigilant and cautious, and take regular breaks to avoid accidents. And remember: this holiday season, don't drinkand drive.

We hope these tips will help you plan your travels in the Paris region this vacation weekend. Have a good trip!