Planning a road trip to France or a city break to Paris or Lyon soon? It's worth noting that parking in French cities is about to become significantly more expensive. Starting from 1st January 2027, thousands of parking spaces near pedestrian crossings will be removed due to a new parking law.
For UK and European holidaymakers, this means less parking availability, increased parking stress, and higher rates, especially in popular cities and tourist hotspots.
What Does the New French Parking Law Entail?
From 1st January 2027, it will be illegal to park within 5 meters of a pedestrian crossing across France. This regulation is outlined in the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM) and applies to all municipalities, big and small. The rule affects all motor vehicles. Municipalities are required to remove parking spaces, which unfortunately also affects villages and tourist destinations. The aim is to improve visibility and safety for pedestrians, particularly in busy urban areas.
Why Will Holidaymakers Feel the Impact More Keenly?
Parking can already feel like a challenge for tourists. This legislative change will not make it any easier.
Consequences for UK and European holidaymakers include:
- Fewer street parking spaces in city centres
- Increased reliance on paid parking garages
- Higher parking costs in 2026 and 2027 due to reduced parking availability
- Greater risk of fines for those unaware of the changes
In cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice, parking pressure will only increase. In many of these cities, parking is already a significant hassle. Particularly in Paris, parking has been notoriously expensive.
Parking in Paris and Lyon Will Become Significantly More Expensive
Paris has long enforced strict parking regulations. Street parking is limited, costly, and heavily monitored. With the removal of parking spaces near pedestrian crossings:
- Scarcity will increase;
- Rates in surrounding zones will rise;
- Parking garages will fill up more quickly;
For day-trippers and city visitors, this means higher costs and less flexibility. Fortunately, we previously published a blog post with Tips for Parking in Paris.
Parking in Lyon
Lyon is also heavily investing in green spaces and car-free areas. Fewer street parking spots will similarly mean higher parking prices, especially around tourist attractions. Parking operators are capitalising on this scarcity by increasing prices.
What Is the Fine for Illegal Parking?
If you park within 5 meters of a pedestrian crossing, you risk a hefty fine ranging from €90.00 to €135.00. There are no penalty points added to your driving licence. Be aware: major cities and tourist areas are heavily monitored, often with cameras. “Just parking for a moment” can end up being quite costly.
What Will Happen to the Removed Parking Spaces?
The spaces that are removed will not be repurposed for vehicles. Municipalities are opting for sustainable alternatives: bike racks, green zones, flower beds, or small squares and pedestrian areas. While this enhances the city’s atmosphere, it means a permanent loss of parking space for drivers.
What Will This Measure Cost French Municipalities?
Implementing the new parking law will require significant investments:
- New traffic signs
- Updated road markings
- Redesigning streets
For some municipalities, these costs can reach into the hundreds of thousands of euros. Often, these expenses are indirectly passed on through parking fees and local taxes.
Why Was This Measure Introduced?
In 2024, 456 pedestrians lost their lives in French traffic. In 70% of cases, poor visibility was a contributing factor, often due to improperly parked vehicles near pedestrian crossings. By keeping the 5-meter zone clear, drivers will see pedestrians sooner, allowing pedestrians to cross more safely, which will hopefully reduce the number of annual accidents. This could save lives, especially in busy cities. Overall, it means yet another traffic regulation is being introduced in France, which already has many traffic rules that few are familiar with.
Practical Parking Tips for Holidaymakers in France 🚗
Heading to France by car? These tips will prove invaluable:
✅ Preferably park in parking garages or Park & Ride areas
✅ Always check your distance from pedestrian crossings
✅ Utilise parking apps or navigation systems with parking information
✅ Consider public transport, cycling, or electric scooters in cities
