Map: See where it will snow in France this week
Snowfall in altitudes of 200m and below is possible, as well as dustings in Normandy and Brittany
It will be the first major snowfall of the year
Georgios Kollidas / Shutterstock
The first major widespread snowfall of the 2025-2026 winter is expected this week in France, as polar and humid winds combine.
As temperatures plummet, the mix of wind and rain will bring snow showers (giboulées) to much of the north-east.
These showers, composed of rain, some snow, and sleet, can be dangerous for drivers.
While heavier snow will be mostly limited to higher altitudes in major mountain ranges, smaller levels of snowfall in areas of eastern France is possible.
This snow could fall at altitudes as low as 200m above sea level, particularly in the east.
Sprinklings in central areas are also expected, but only a few centimetres which may not settle.
Two days of snow - at least
Wednesday is expected to see snow at 1,200m and above in the Pyrénées, and around 600m in the Alps.
Slightly lower, at around 400m - 500m, light snowfall in the Jura, Vosges and Massif Central ranges is possible.
Snowfall will continue in all areas on Thursday, and the north-east may see snowfall at altitudes of around 200m.
Normandy and Brittany may also see slight dustings of snow, as temperatures drop close to freezing.
The image below shows the total expected level of snow before the end of the week.
It remains uncertain if further low-altitude snowfall will take place over the weekend, as despite temperatures remaining chilly conditions may stay dry.
Both the Pyrénées and Alps have seen major snowfalls already this year.
