21-05-2025
Where are the floods in Southern France and is it safe to travel to Lower Normandy, Nice and the French Riviera?
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SEVERE floods have hit the French Riviera, causing extensive damage in the area.
Here, we unpack everything that's happened so far - and if it's currently safe to visit France.
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Vehicles submerged in floodwaters following flooding in Le Lavandou, France.
Credit: Reuters
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A severely damaged car in the village of Cavaliere neighbouring Le Lavandou.
Credit: AFP
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Hundreds of emergency rescuers have been called in
Credit: Reuters
Where are the floods in France?
Météo-France has issued a moderate flood and rain warning for Nice, Marseilles, and the surrounding region - which will be in effect until at least Thursday, 22 May, 2025.
Previously, there were also emergency warnings for the Var region - where the catastrophic damage occurred at Le Lavandou and neighbouring Cavaliere for both flooding and thunderstorms, but this has since been downgraded to a moderate warming.
Moving towards the capital, there is a moderate flood warning in place five French departments directly south and west of Paris in Lower Normandy; specifically Calvados, Eure-et-Loir, Loiret, Manche, and Orne.
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What has the impact of the floods been?
The rapid rainfall and storms taking place since Monday, 19 May, 2025, have resulted in flooded roads, water supply cutoffs, and power outages across southern France, including the French Riviera.
More than 500 calls have been made to emergency services and at least three people have died so far according to local authorities in Le Lavandou, a popular holiday resort town 18 miles east of St Tropez.
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Firefighters arriving to assist in the region
Credit: AFP
Two of those who died were an elderly couple swept away while trying to escape their home, who were "surprised by the very rapid rise in water levels". the Toulon public prosecutor said to the BBC.
After being hit with 250mm of rain in just one hour, several hundred emergency rescuers have been sent to the area, and more than 600 homes have been left without electricity.
The south of France faced a similar severe flood in late 2019, and was hit by four months worth of rain in just 12 hours during 2020's Storm Alex.
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Cars have been submerged, and hundreds of homes left without electricity or water
Credit: Reuters
How will the floods affect my trip to France?
Flights with Air France, British Airways, EasyJet, and RyanAir between the UK and Nice have all continued to depart as scheduled - but due to the flooded roads and damaged railways, on-ground travel services in the region have been halted or cancelled.
Reaching your accommodation once you land could prove challenging, with trains between Bordeaux and Toulouse cancelled as of Tuesday, 20 May, 2025.
It's also best to check with your hotel or holiday rental if their property has been impacted by the floods.
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There was severe damage to the beachfront in Le Lavandou by the floods
As for access to Normandy, flights to and from Paris CDG and internal trains are all still running as planned.
Most airlines will not offer compensation for any disruption caused by flooding, but if you purchased travel insurance prior to the start of the floods, you will be protected financially.
Is it safe to travel to the French Riviera and Var?
The UK Government does not currently have any warnings in place cautioning against travel to France.
However, it is advised to continue checking with both your airline for cancellations, and for any official updates as the situation continues to develop.
