Anyone traveling to France by RV this summer should be prepared for the usual heavy traffic on French highways. Especially in July and August, some days can turn into real traffic marathons. The French traffic service Bison Futé has now published its traffic calendar for 2026.
These are the busiest days of the summer
The official “Black Saturdays” for 2026 fall on July 11, August 1, and August 15. On those days, heavy traffic is expected on the main vacation routes heading toward southern France, Spain, and Italy. Fridays, July 10 and July 31, are also expected to be particularly busy.
August 1, in particular, is considered the busiest day of the year for traffic. On that day, millions of French people and foreign vacationers set off for their vacation destinations all at once.
Where are the worst traffic jams?
Campers are most likely to encounter delays on popular vacation routes. The biggest bottlenecks are traditionally found on the:
- A6 and A7 (Autoroute du Soleil)
- A10 toward Bordeaux and the Atlantic Coast
- Ring Roads Around Paris and Lyon
- A9 toward the Spanish border
- A75 toward Southern France and the Mediterranean Sea
Waiting times can also quickly add up to several hours around toll plazas and major intersections.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
For those who want to avoid the crowds, there are a few simple solutions. Traveling on Sunday is often much quieter than on Saturday. Leaving early in the morning or later in the evening can also save you a lot of time.
Motorhome owners also have the advantage of being able to easily add an extra night’s stay while on the road. A stop at a motorhome park or campground can sometimes be more enjoyable than spending hours stuck in traffic on the highway.
Be sure to check your route as well
Anyone traveling to the South of France, Spain, or Portugal would be wise to check the traffic conditions in advance. GPS systems with real-time traffic information can suggest alternative routes when traffic becomes exceptionally heavy. Although such a detour may sometimes add a few extra kilometers, it often saves time and reduces stress.
Preparation is still the best travel companion
The summer rush in France will never completely disappear, but with good planning, you can avoid the worst traffic jams. If you take “black Saturdays” into account and remain flexible about your departure and rest times, you’ll start your vacation much more relaxed. Especially for campers, this may well be the most important travel tip of all.