The frost that hit Europe starting from the northern countries also reached France with temperatures as low as minus 9 degrees in many areas.

In Paris the mercury stopped at minus 5 this morning.

Temperatures are dropping everywhere , and for 40 departments the authorities have declared a frost alert with a special surveillance plan .

Minus 8 degrees were reported in Cambrai, Lille and Le Havre, in the north, minus 7 in Strasbourg and Chateauroux, minus 5 in Rennes and Lyon, minus 2 in Avignon.

And snow is expected in the country for the next few hours , even at low altitude.

The regions of the Mediterranean coast remain warm , with temperatures between 6 and 11 degrees, and Corsica, between 10 and 14.

In the Paris region, the Ile-de-France, and in the eastern Bas-Rhin region, the "big cold plan" was launched, which among other things allows the temporary opening of exceptional reception places for the homeless in gyms, schools and municipal halls.

(Unioneonline/vl)