{"id":119553,"date":"2025-05-21T10:34:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T10:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/119553\/"},"modified":"2025-05-21T10:34:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T10:34:09","slug":"is-it-safe-to-travel-to-france-latest-advice-after-truly-violent-floods-and-rainstorms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/119553\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to travel to France? Latest advice after ‘truly violent’ floods and rainstorms"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\tThree people have died in the floods (Picture: Christophe Simon \/ AFP) <\/p>\n

The south of France<\/a> has been rocked by a series of rainstorms and floods<\/a> which have killed at least three people.<\/p>\n

The disaster has been likened to \u2018scenes of war\u2019 by the mayor of popular seaside town, Le Lavandou, where an elderly couple died.<\/p>\n

\u2018It was a truly violent, nasty, incomprehensible phenomenon,\u2019 said Gil Bernardi.<\/p>\n

The flooding has caused widespread damage in the Var region, which includes part of the French Riviera, including Saint Tropez and part of the Cote d\u2019Azur. <\/p>\n

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Locals have been left without water or electricity, and La Mole St Tropez Airport<\/a> has also been closed.<\/p>\n

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In the town of Vidauban, which lies on the banks of the river Argen, another women also died when her vehicle was submerged by water.<\/p>\n

Writing on X, French President, Emmanuel Macron<\/a> shared his \u2018heartfelt condolences\u2019 with the victims and their families. <\/p>\n

He said: \u2018To all those affected, I want to say that the Nation will be there, fraternal and united. There, with the relief forces, to overcome the coming hours. There, to rebuild.\u2019<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Map
\n\t\tThe map shows the area affected by flooding in southeastern France (Picture: Metro)
\nTravel advice for France<\/p>\n

The UK Foreign Office<\/a> has not currently issued any new travel warnings for France after the flooding.<\/p>\n

But, like with any country, the Foreign Office advises British nationals to stay vigilant when abroad.<\/p>\n

The website warns travellers there is \u2018a risk of flooding in areas of France\u2019 and advises visitors to check if their accommodation is near a river.<\/p>\n

They also advise tourists to check France\u2019s flash food watch<\/a> website (or \u2018vigicrues\u2019 in French)\u00a0for more up to date information on current flood risks.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tThe French town of Le Lavandou\u00a0is a popular tourist town (Picture: Getty Images\/Photononstop RF)
\nWhat to do if you\u2019re caught in a flood abroad<\/p>\n

Before or during a flood, the UK government says you should turn off gas, electricity and water supplies, if it\u2019s safe to do so.<\/p>\n

They also advise to move to higher ground, and to use flood protection products if those are available to you. It is also recommended to follow the advice of local officials or emergency services.<\/p>\n

The FCDO states that British travellers are responsible for their own personal safety while abroad, adding \u2018we do not have a general duty of care to British nationals abroad\u2019.<\/p>\n

However, the\u00a0FCDO\u00a0may set up a specific response to help British nationals in a crisis abroad, which can include natural disasters such as flooding. This can include a dedicated hotline or online registration where you can apply for assistance.<\/p>\n

Can I get a refund if I cancel my holiday due to the floods?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve taken out your travel insurance<\/a> and you\u2019d now like to cancel your holiday due to the floods, you may be entitled to some money back.<\/p>\n

Flooding should be included under the natural disasters coverage<\/a> (although it varies between insurers so check your policy) but this comes with a catch.<\/p>\n

Travel insurance will only pay out for holiday cancellations if the FCDO advises against anything but essential travel to your holiday destination \u2013 and there are currently no such warnings for France.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"TOPSHOT
\n\t\tPart of France have been left devastated (Photo by Christophe Simon \/ AFP)<\/p>\n

Some providers also require the local or national authorities to state it\u2019s unsafe to travel there. If your holiday provider or airline is operating there as normal and there are no advisories, you won\u2019t get any cancellation cover.<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0gocompare.com<\/a>, you should look at the \u2018cancellation and curtailment\u2019 section of your policy, as this can help with cancelling or cutting a trip short due to extreme weather.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There\u2019s another reason your travel insurance may not cover you, too. If extreme weather was forecast for the area before you booked your holiday and before you took out your insurance policy, you won\u2019t be covered for \u2018anticipated\u2019 events.<\/p>\n

Basically if you knew the weather was going to be bad but booked it anyway \u2013 you won\u2019t get your refund.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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