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 .
Where are the floods in France?
Météo-Francehas 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 , there is a moderate flood warning in place five French departmentsdirectly south and west of Parisin Lower Normandy; specificallyCalvados, Eure-et-Loir, Loiret, Manche, and Orne.
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 , 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 .
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 , and was hit by four months worth of rain in just 12 hours during
How will the floods affect my trip to France?
Flights with Air France, , and 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 and 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.
As for access to Normandy, flights to and from Paris CDG and internal trains are all still running as planned.
Most airlines will not 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 gov.uk for any official updates as the situation continues to develop.
