Bastille Day, Tour de France & Travel Disruptions: News Digest

France’s national holiday falls today, with closures, crowds and changes to some local celebrations as wildfire risk remains high. Travellers should also prepare for busy summer roads, EES border delays, Tour de France disruption and changes at French airports. Here are the France headlines you need to know this week.

France’s national holiday falls today

France’s Fête nationale falls today, Tuesday the 14th of July, meaning banks, schools, many offices and some businesses will be closed. Public transport generally continues to run, but services and local access may be affected by parades, ceremonies, road closures and security measures.

In Paris, the traditional Eiffel Tower fireworks display took place exceptionally on Monday the 13th of July this year, instead of the 14th, to allow the 14th to be marked by remembrance events for the 10th anniversary of the Nice attack. The military parade on the Champs-Élysées went ahead this morning, with large crowds and tight security in the capital.

Some firework displays cancelled due to wildfire risk & wildfire near Fontainebleau

Several communes have cancelled or adapted firework displays and public events because of drought conditions and heightened wildfire risk. Restrictions vary locally, so residents and visitors should check mairie or prefecture updates before travelling to an evening event.

Where celebrations do go ahead, expect road closures, parking restrictions, crowd-control measures and changes to public transport. Anyone staying in rural areas, campsites or near woodland should avoid private fireworks, barbecues, campfires, discarded cigarettes or any activity that could create sparks.

A major wildfire broke out in the Fontainebleau forest, south-east of Paris, prompting evacuations, road closures and rail disruption. The fire has burned a large area of forest, with hundreds of firefighters deployed and water-bombing aircraft used in the Greater Paris region. The blaze caused disruption on the A6 motorway and affected some train services from Paris. Residents and visitors near forested areas should follow local instructions, avoid restricted zones and check transport updates before travelling.

Summer travel disruption expected on roads and at borders

The summer holiday period is now well underway, with heavy traffic expected across July and August on routes towards the coast, the south of France, the Alps and major holiday destinations. Drivers heading to or through France should check live traffic updates before setting off, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Non-EU travellers, including British and American visitors, should also allow extra time at borders due to the EU’s Entry/Exit System. Dover has again been flagged as a possible pressure point, with concerns over delays during the peak summer getaway period.

Tour de France affected by heat and local restrictions

The Tour de France is continuing through July, bringing crowds, road closures and diversions along the route. Residents and visitors staying near a stage town should check mairie, prefecture and Tour de France updates before travelling, as closures can begin hours before the riders arrive.

This year’s race has also been affected by the extreme heat. Stage nine was shortened by 30km after a red heat alert in Corrèze, and riders have called for future scheduling changes to avoid racing during the hottest part of the day. Wildfire risk has also led to access restrictions for spectators in some areas.

Digital ID can now be used at French airports

Travellers with a France Identité digital ID can now use it at all French airports when boarding a flight or dropping off hold luggage. The feature has been available since the 24th of June and applies regardless of the flight destination.

However, it cannot be used in foreign airports or for border identity checks. Travellers still need to make sure they have the correct passport, residence permit or other travel documents required for their journey.

Navigo annual pass can now be added to some smartphones and watches

Île-de-France Mobilités annual pass holders can now validate their Navigo annual pass on certain smartphones and connected watches. The feature is initially available on Android devices, with iPhone access due to follow by September.

Users can choose whether to keep their physical pass or transfer it digitally, but they cannot use both at the same time. Anyone switching to digital should keep their physical pass safe, as it may be needed if they later decide to switch back.

European health insurance card reminder for residents travelling abroad

Residents insured through the French health system and travelling elsewhere in Europe this summer are reminded to take their carte européenne d’assurance maladie, or CEAM. The card helps cover necessary medical care during temporary stays in the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UK.

Each person needs their own card, including children, and it is free and valid for two years. It should be requested at least 15 days before travel via an Ameli account, although a provisional certificate can be downloaded if the request is made too late.

New driver-assistance equipment mandatory in new cars

Since the 7th of July, all new vehicles registered and delivered in France must include additional driver-assistance and safety equipment under EU rules. The latest phase includes active driver-attention monitoring and improved automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians and cyclists. Current car owners do not need to upgrade existing vehicles. However, the rules may affect buyers ordering new cars, as some older models may stop being sold if they cannot meet the new requirements.

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