TRAFFIC conditions across France will be difficult this weekend as the Christmas getaway coincides with icy weather.

Road monitor Bison Futé has issued an "orange" warning for today and Saturday, advising drivers to be extremely vigilant.

Sub-zero temperatures and snow on the roads will make the traditional Christmas traffic jams even worse, it has warned.

The main routes leading out of French cities and heading up to the Alps should be avoided between 15.00 and 20.00 today if possible.

Most of the long-distance getaways are expected on Saturday, with peak motorway traffic likely between 10.00 and 13.00.

Sunday will be quieter, except in major towns and cities due to Christmas shopping.
Some 54 departments across France are on an "orange" weather alert because of the freezing temperatures and snow.

Flights out of Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports in Paris are facing delays of about an hour.

Check the latest traffic conditions here.