If you're off to France for a short break, holiday or house-hunting, you'll want to know what sort of weather to expect both for your journey and when you get there.

Please remember that the combination of its terrain and location can cause France to have some pretty extreme weather conditions - from violent thunderstorms and flash floods to heavy snowfall through to blistering heat. It is not unusual for there to be weather warnings in force in parts of France - so motorists, check the weather before you leave home!

Here we have linked to some of the most useful and informative weather sites for the following:-

Channel and ports weather (inshore waters etc.) - Met. Office

French national weather - Meteo France (English version) and La Chaine Meteo

Specialist motoring weather (also for bikers) - Meteo France

Local forecast for the departement of the Vendee.

Long-range forecast (10 days and very reliable) - Free.fr

Ski special! Over 40 special weather web cams, including the ski stations.

We wish you a safe and pleasant trip. Bonne route!