HEAVY SNOW HITS PARIS & NORTHERN FRANCE – MAJOR TRAVEL CHAOS
Paris and much of northern and western France are experiencing significant snowfall and freezing conditions on Monday, January 5, 2026. Snow has fallen across Île-de-France, Brittany, Normandy and beyond, with temperatures around or below freezing causing snow to stick and conditions to deteriorate rapidly.
AIR TRAVEL DISRUPTED – FLIGHTS CANCELLED AT PARIS AIRPORTS
Due to heavy snowfall, France’s civil aviation authority has asked airlines to cancel about 15% of scheduled flights at the country’s two main Paris airports — Charles de Gaulle and Orly — to reduce congestion and safety risks. The directive runs until 20:00 CET at Charles de Gaulle and 23:30 at Orly. Passengers are advised to check flight status and consider public transport alternatives before traveling to the airports.
WIDESPREAD WEATHER ALERTS – ROADS BLOCKED, SERVICES IMPACTED
• Multiple departments placed under weather alert: Météo-France has issued orange vigilance for snow and ice across large swaths of northern and western France, including the entire Île-de-France region. These warnings reflect an elevated risk of hazardous conditions on roads and public spaces.
• Road travel severely affected: Snow and freezing rain have made major highways and secondary roads slippery or impassable in places, with some routes already blocked or restricted by authorities. Local road services in the Paris region have responded with traffic limitations and reduced speed limits to improve safety.
Transport services disrupted: Bus networks and school transport have been suspended in some departments as conditions worsen, and authorities recommend avoiding non-essential travel wherever possible.
PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES & ADVICE
Speed limits lowered: In Île-de-France authorities have imposed 80 km/h limits on major roads to counter slick conditions, and restrictions placed on heavy vehicles on key routes.
Cold persists: The wintry conditions are expected to continue into the middle of the week, with lingering snow and the risk of ice due to freezing overnight temperatures.
Paris and much of northern and western France are experiencing significant snowfall and freezing conditions on Monday, January 5, 2026. Snow has fallen across Île-de-France, Brittany, Normandy and beyond, with temperatures around or below freezing causing snow to stick and conditions to deteriorate rapidly.
AIR TRAVEL DISRUPTED – FLIGHTS CANCELLED AT PARIS AIRPORTS
Due to heavy snowfall, France’s civil aviation authority has asked airlines to cancel about 15% of scheduled flights at the country’s two main Paris airports — Charles de Gaulle and Orly — to reduce congestion and safety risks. The directive runs until 20:00 CET at Charles de Gaulle and 23:30 at Orly. Passengers are advised to check flight status and consider public transport alternatives before traveling to the airports.
WIDESPREAD WEATHER ALERTS – ROADS BLOCKED, SERVICES IMPACTED
- Multiple departments placed under weather alert: Météo-France has issued orange vigilance for snow and ice across large swaths of northern and western France, including the entire Île-de-France region. These warnings reflect an elevated risk of hazardous conditions on roads and public spaces.
- Road travel severely affected: Snow and freezing rain have made major highways and secondary roads slippery or impassable in places, with some routes already blocked or restricted by authorities. Local road services in the Paris region have responded with traffic limitations and reduced speed limits to improve safety.
- Transport services disrupted: Bus networks and school transport have been suspended in some departments as conditions worsen, and authorities recommend avoiding non-essential travel wherever possible.
PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES & ADVICE
- Speed limits lowered: In Île-de-France authorities have imposed 80 km/h limits on major roads to counter slick conditions, and restrictions placed on heavy vehicles on key routes.
- Cold persists: The wintry conditions are expected to continue into the middle of the week, with lingering snow and the risk of ice due to freezing overnight temperatures.
- Residents are urged to stay informed from official channels and limit travel unless absolutely necessary.
France is grappling with a significant snow event that has paralyzed travel networks and forced weather warnings across much of the north. Airport flight cancellations and blocked highways are among the key disruptions as authorities maintain high alert and advise caution.
