Allergy warnings in France following pollen spike: how to check levels near you

Heightened pollen warnings have been raised across most of France for the coming days, with certain areas of the south-west at very high risk.

Official air quality watchdog AtmoFrance cites a spike in Alder pollen across all regions in France until at least Friday (February 27), which began at the start of the week.

AtmoFrance publishes its forecast of the pollen index for the next 48 hours daily at 13:00, meaning warnings may be extended into the weekend.

Despite spring not technically arriving for another few weeks, February and March are peak season for Alder pollution. 

Alder trees are often found in wetlands and along riverbanks, and are similar to birches in appearance.

Most regions of France have been put on an ‘elevated’ (‘élevé’) warning for Alder pollen.

In the Alps, eastern mountains and the Pyrénées peaks, warning levels are lower, as are levels around Toulouse.

However, many other areas including the western Pays-Basque face an extreme pollen warning (‘très élevé’).

The map below shows Alder pollution warning levels, and the AtmoFrance website allows you to search for levels in your commune through an interactive search function.

Alder trees are native across Europe, Eurasia, and North America (and have been introduced to several other areas) so are unlikely to be new plants your body interacts with, but if you are sensitive to pollen it may still trigger a reaction. 

Symptoms include: 

• frequent sneezing 

• nasal congestion 

• persistent runny nose

• irritated throat

• cough

• Conjunctivitis

People with asthma or other similar conditions may also have difficulty breathing.

In the south-east, areas around Nice and the French Riviera have also been put on a heightened warning for cypress pollen, with spikes usually happening around March.

Our article explains how to find out more about pollen levels in your area.