The state weather service, Meteo France, issued an alert for the northern part of the country, saying the dangerous gusts would continue to 8:00 pm (1900 GMT). It advised motorists to limit their time spent on the road.

In Paris, a 61-year-old woman died in a chic western neighbourhood when a tree came crashing down on her car.

Emergency services said winds of up to 110 kilometres (68 miles) per hour rattled the capital, sparking more than 450 calls from residents because of falling roof tiles and trees.

Temporary ice-skating rinks set up in the Eiffel Tower and in front of the City Hall were closed, as were parks, cemeteries and gardens.

In Normandy, a high bridge spanning the Seine river was buffeted by winds that knocked over a truck and a caravan, without causing injuries. Officials closed the structure after the incidents.