Holiday departures caused massive traffic jams across southern and western France on Saturday, with Bison Futé reporting 708 km of congestion at midday. The A7 motorway towards the south via the Rhône valley was particularly affected, along with the A10 and A9 linking France to Spain. Vinci Autoroutes warned of significant delays lasting into the evening.
Traffic was classified red nationwide for departures, with the Grand Ouest, Nord, and Mediterranean arc in orange for returns. Several departments remain under orange heatwave alerts, adding to traveler discomfort.
The A6, closed for days due to a forest fire in Fontainebleau that burned 2,200 hectares, reopened on Thursday evening. An overnight accident on another route caused one death and four minor injuries.
Authorities urge drivers to check conditions before traveling and to carry water due to the heat.
Article and image source: ladepeche.fr
