Travel warning for big Easter getaway

THE BIG Easter weekend getaway has prompted travel warnings across most of France.

Traffic watchdog Bison Futé has issued an orange alert for almost all major cities, as motorists try to make the most of the first holiday weekend of the year, with many expected to head south in search of early spring sunshine, while others head to the mountains for a late skiing break.

Roads around the Rhone-Alpes are expected to be particularly congested, Bison Fute warned, especially around Mont Blanc.

The speed limit on certain sections of the A7 between Vienne, in the Isère, and Orange, Vauclus, has been cut to 110kph to cope with the heavy traffic.

Meanwhile, routes near Montpellier are also expected to be busy.

Traffic on Sunday is expected to be normal, but Bison Futé has warned that Monday afternoon will see further congestion as weekend holidaymakers return home. It has issued a provisional orange alert from 3pm until 8pm across many arterial routes in France, especially around major urban areas.

Photo: Thomas Bresson