Lyon leads as France’s most gridlocked city in 2025 traffic report

France ranks as the 24th most congested country in Europe, according to the latest TomTom Traffic Index. The report analysed 492 cities worldwide, measuring delays, travel times, and speeds. While some French cities saw improvements, others faced worsening traffic in 2025.

Lyon remains the most congested city in France, with a 47.2% congestion rate. Drivers there spent an average of 121 hours stuck in rush-hour traffic last year. Bordeaux and Montpellier followed closely behind in the national rankings.

Paris and Toulon were among the few cities where congestion eased. The capital’s rate dropped from 44% to 40%, while Toulon’s fell from 34% to 31%. The widening of the A57 motorway likely helped reduce delays in Toulon, making it the only French city with faster average journeys.

Elsewhere, Grenoble, Rouen, Brest, and Nice also experienced less traffic. However, 29 French cities appeared in the global index, with a slight overall increase in congestion compared to 2024. The worst days for gridlock coincided with public holidays, such as April 17 in Lyon, August 29 in Bordeaux, and June 5 in Paris.

Globally, Mexico City topped the list with a 75.9% congestion rate, costing drivers 184 hours in delays. No French cities made the top 20 worldwide, though the UK ranked 5th in Europe, and Malta led the continent.

The 2025 TomTom Traffic Index highlights mixed trends across France. Some cities improved, but most saw minor increases in delays. With Lyon leading nationally and no French entries in the global top 20, the report underscores ongoing challenges for urban mobility.