While the snow in Paris has generated gorgeous reels and photos on social media, it has also caused major travel disruptions in France; and with the cold front expected to worsen, travellers across most of the country are facing likely delays. Even on the Côte d’Azur, where we’re mainly promised sunshine, flights to Amsterdam and Paris have been cancelled. The culprit is Storm Goretti, the first storm of the year named by French weather forecasters.
UK Government Issues Travel Warning for Severe Weather
The UK Government issued a travel warning today – 7 January 2026 – for any of its citizens commuting to France. The government said: “Ongoing cold weather conditions and snow may affect travel to and from France, with some flights and Eurostar services cancelled or delayed.”
Travellers are advised to check their operator’s advice before heading to airports and train stations. (Remember to check connecting flights too.)
At least 140 flights have already been grounded in Paris (and a further 800 in Amsterdam!), according to France 24. Authorities have warned of black ice and dangerous conditions on roads which have already resulted in Paris suspending its public bus services.
Sunny Skies but Still Delays on the French Riviera
For those on the Cote d’Azur, the skies remain sunny but as mentioned above, flights to Amsterdam and Paris have been cancelled. Check Nice Airport flights here.
Sadly at least five people have passed away in France due to accidents caused by the weather.
France Meteo has warned that Storm Goretti will continue to impact a large part of France until Friday, particularly affecting the English Channel coast where “significant coastal flooding” and winds of up to 120km/hr are expected as the storm makes its way to the UK.
Cote d’Azur Meteo predicts mostly sunny conditions for the French Riviera, although the Goretti depression will bring some thick clouds which will “occasionally filter the sunshine, which nonetheless remains dominant throughout Thursday”. (Locals definitely felt the cold today!)
Winds will reach up to 90km inland on Thursday while Cannes and Antibes can expect gusts of 30 to 50km/hr, along with rough sea conditions. A south-westerly swell of over 1m is expected around Antibes during the day, with it increasing to up to 2.5 metres by the end of the day.
In good news, the weather has brought great snowfalls to the Alps, and residents or holiday-makers to the French Riviera, are able to take advantage of the fantastic skiing conditions in Auron, just a 90-minute drive away from the coast.
