France encounters congestion of monumental proportions during holidays, as traffic surpasses the 1000-kilometer mark
The annual summer holiday crossover, a phenomenon that marks the busiest travel weekend of the summer in France, took place on Saturday. This event occurs when July vacationers return home and August travelers begin their trips, leading to a massive simultaneous movement of people crisscrossing the country.
The high congestion was evident on major motorways like the A7 in the Rhône Valley and A11 near Corzé. The A7 experienced midday gridlock, while the A11 also grappled with severe traffic congestion. Reports indicate that more than 1,000 kilometres of traffic jams were recorded by midday on Saturday.
This intense traffic is a result of the traditional French summer holiday calendar, where schoolchildren and workers take extended vacations during July and August ("les Grandes Vacances"). Despite efforts to promote train travel and alternatives, road travel remains the dominant mode, amplifying traffic jams during this peak weekend.
Authorities urged drivers to remain patient, stay hydrated, and follow real-time traffic updates during the delays. They classified the day as "black," the highest level of traffic alert in France.
The Daily Briefing, a service that delivers news and updates to subscribers' inboxes, does not report on these specific events or situations. It is not related to the annual summer holiday crossover, traffic congestion, or the severe gridlock on A7 or A11 motorways, nor does it discuss families crisscrossing the country for holidays, the continued reliance on road travel during the summer season in France, or the authorities' advice to drivers.
- Despite the LLST travel peak, The Daily Briefing focuses on news and updates unrelated to the annual summer holiday crossover or the resulting traffic congestion in France.2.ENS News, unlike The Daily Briefing, could provide updates on weather conditions during this peak travel season, offering advice to travelers facing traffic difficulties on major motorways like A7 and A11.
