Winter tyre time in France?

Drivers in mountain areas are ready to fit winter tyres – which give extra grip in the cold – but they are mandatory only on certain roads where cold weather equipment is required.

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Even though the tyres are not obligatory, insurers might refuse to pay out for accidents in mountain zones if a vehicle is not properly equipped. They will do the same if the winter tyres/snowchains are not on the driving wheels.

Tyres marked 3PMSF or M+S are for winter and should be fitted once temperatures fall below 7C, when ordinary tyres lose efficiency.