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Traffic warnings issued as French holidaymakers hit the road

The Local France
The Local France - [email protected]
Traffic warnings issued as French holidaymakers hit the road
Photo: AFP

Saturday is set to be one of the busiest days of the year on French roads as thousands of holidaymakers and tourists head across the country. With jams and tailbacks expected across France, it has been categorized as level ‘red' by road authorities.

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It looks like there will be some disgruntled holidaymakers on French roads on Saturday as people who traditionally take their summer holiday in July (known as "juilletistes") return home while those who favour August for the summer break ("aoûtiens") depart.
 
Bison Futé, the government-run site that monitors traffic levels, has classified traffic for those leaving for their holidays on Saturday as red - the second highest level - which means the situation on the roads will be "very difficult". 
 
And for those returning from their holidays traffic has been classified 'orange' ("difficult") - the third highest warning. 
 
Friday is also expected to see 'difficult' traffic conditions for those heading off for the summer. 
 
As a result, Bison Fute has recommended that people delay their journeys if possible. 
 
Map: Bison Fute
 
"It is strongly discouraged to drive overnight from from Friday to Saturday and at any time on Saturday. It is better to wait until Sunday," the government site said.
 
On Friday traffic is expected to be particularly difficult in Burgundy on the A6 between Beaune and Lyon. This section of road has been is classified red by Bison Futé between 12 pm and 2 pm and orange from 9 am and midday and 2 pm to 5 pm.
 
This section of road is also expected to see heavy traffic on Saturday. 
 
Things are set to calm down across the country on Sunday, with most roads in France classified 'green' meaning there will be "normal traffic". However the A6 between Beaune and Lyon is nevertheless classified orange from 9 am to 12 pm.
 
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