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Traveling to France? What You Need to Know About the Protests.
Unrest has spread across France in response to the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old in a Paris suburb. Here’s what to expect.
By Ceylan Yeginsu
Violent protests have spread across France over the past week since the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old in a Paris suburb.
More than 800 people were arrested on Thursday night after protesters caused widespread destruction in dozens of cities, setting cars and buildings on fire, looting stores and clashing with the riot police. On Friday, many roads in the Paris region and other major cities like Marseille were cordoned off, and public transport routes were disrupted as more than 40,000 police officers were deployed across the country to bring the protests under control.
With the peak summer travel season underway, many tourists are headed to Paris and other parts of France for their summer vacations. Here’s what you need to know about how your trip might be affected.
Which cities have been hit hardest?
The clashes began in the Paris suburb of Nanterre on Tuesday night, after the police shot and killed the male teenage driver — a French citizen of North African descent, publicly identified as Nahel M. — who was stopped at a traffic light. The violence quickly spread to nearby areas in the greater Paris region as news of the killing reignited decades-long grievances over racial discrimination in working-class areas. The police officer who shot the driver was detained on Thursday on charges of voluntary homicide.
After three nights of riots, Clamart, in the southwestern suburbs of Paris, imposed a curfew between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. through Monday. Other communities affected by the violence include Bezons, Gennevilliers, Garges-lès-Gonesse, Meudon and L’Île-St.-Denis, close to the headquarters of the 2024 Olympics.
The center of Paris, home to tourist attractions like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, had largely been unaffected until Thursday night, when looters descended onto the Rue de Rivoli, one of the city’s main shopping streets, and ransacked a Nike store.
Police asked people in popular tourist areas in Marseille and Bordeaux to leave the area on Thursday night after fires were set alongside streets, and violent clashes erupted between the police and protesters. On Friday, Marseille banned all demonstrations.
How has transport been affected?
On Friday, the Interior Ministry ordered the suspension of all bus and tram services after sunset, in response to the unrest.
The greater Paris region had already reduced services in recent days to limit the mobility of the protesters at night, and the city’s metro system will close an hour early over the weekend. Île-de-France Mobilités, the regional transport agency, has been issuing service updates on its website.
Is it safe to visit France?
The State Department has not advised against travel to France, but it issued a security alert on Thursday highlighting the violence and urging United States citizens to avoid “mass gatherings and areas of significant police activity.”
“Some cities are imposing curfews,” the alert said. “As always, it is a good practice to notify friends or family of your whereabouts.”
A State Department advisory issued in 2022 remains in place, urging travelers to “exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.”
Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .
Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter. She was previously a correspondent for the International desk in Britain and Turkey, covering politics; social justice; the migrant crisis; the Kurdish conflict, and the rise of Islamic State extremism in Syria and the region. More about Ceylan Yeginsu
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Protests in Paris: how unrest could impact Easter travel plans
Mar 31, 2023 • 5 min read
Paris has been gripped by strikes and demonstrations related to the recent, controversial pension reform. Left Bank bistro La Rotonde was damaged on the 11th day of action © Julian de Rosa/AFP via Getty Images
Over the last few weeks, images of overflowing garbage bins and violent street protests in Paris have dominated the international news cycle – raising qualms among travelers.
If you have plans to visit the French capital this spring, here’s the low-down on how to experience the city fully – but safely.
What’s happening in France and why are people striking?
Over the last three months, the government’s unpopular pension-reform scheme, which will gradually raise the age of retirement from 62 to 64, has unleashed a wave of discontent in France .
The level of anger and violence escalated after the government used a controversial executive power to push through the bill without putting it to a vote in parliament, where it faced fierce opposition.
Millions of people have marched in union-organized protests since they began in January. The 11th day of protests took place this week on Thursday April 6 with trains and planes disrupted as well as hundreds of thousands taking to the streets to demonstrate. Left Bank brasserie La Rotonde, a haunt of President Macron, saw it's awning set on fire. Trade unions have vowed to continue staging rolling strikes until the bill is withdrawn.
Is it safe to visit Paris?
Since October 2022, the US State Department has placed France at a Level 2 travel advisory, which recommends that citizens exercise “increased caution” due to threats of terrorism and civil unrest.
The US embassy has also been regularly releasing “demonstration alerts” advising people to avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity, to be vigilant of surroundings and to notify friends and family of their safety. The most popular spots for protests have been Place de la Bastille , Place de la République and Place de la Concorde .
Overall, authorized protests have been largely peaceful and can even be festive in atmosphere, with music, food and dancing. But this vibe has been largely restricted to the early start of the marches. The atmosphere tends to degenerate as the protests continue and the crowds of peaceful demonstrators begin to thin, and clashes between anarchist infiltrators and anti-riot police heat up. These violent protesters set fires, shoot fireworks, smash storefront windows and throw projectiles; in reaction, police have been using tear gas, water cannons and batons to disperse crowds.
Travelers should also be aware that protesters, mainly young people, have been staging spontaneous, unauthorized protests and sit-ins that have often ended in violence as well.
You can minimize the risk of being caught up in the chaos and being at the receiving end of either projectile or tear gas by steering clear of the protests as much as possible.
How can I keep up to speed on the latest developments?
Aside from international news sites, the best way to keep your ear to the ground on the latest developments in Paris is to monitor local English-language sites like France24 , RFI and The Local France .
On these platforms, you’ll find information about how Paris was left to stew in 10,000 tons of uncollected waste after garbage collectors joined the pension-reform strikes. Waste collection has since resumed, but workers warn strike action could resume.
For the latest updates, your best bet is Twitter, where tourist attractions and public transport operators post closures and disruptions in real-time. The city’s official tourism office also posts a comprehensive list of how strike action affects Métro, regional RER and Transilien train lines, as well as Parisian airports and attractions. On the most recent day of protests, March 28, walkouts resulted in the closure of the Eiffel Tower , the Musée d’Orsay , the Musée du Louvre and the Château de Versailles .
How do strikes and protests affect public transport and airports?
On strike days, service is drastically reduced on rail lines (including the Eurostar), buses, ferries and air travel.
The French civil aviation authority regularly asks airlines to cancel up to 30% of flights on and around strike days when air traffic controllers walk off the job. (Most of the cancellations have affected short-haul flights in and out of Paris–Orly; long-haul international flights out of Charles de Gaulle airport have seen fewer cancellations.) Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has called for political intervention , complaining that the French strikes have forced his airline to cancel 230 flights, and that one million passengers have been affected.
Travelers should consult their airlines for updates.
Be aware, however, that protesters have also stormed Paris airports and set up blockades on highways, forcing travelers to reach the airport on foot. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, especially if you’re traveling on a strike day.
Expect reduced service and overcrowded trains on the Métro , as well as on train cancellations. Count on packing a pair of good walking shoes.
What do I do if closures affect my itinerary?
Restaurants and shops are generally open, but may close on strike days if they lie along demonstration routes (consult local media for those).
If your booking for the Louvre or Eiffel Tower is canceled due to strike action, take it as an opportunity to discover alternatives.
For instance, instead of the Louvre, check out the Musée Bourdelle , which is dedicated to the sculptor Antoine Bourdelle and which reopened to the public this month following extensive renovations. Instead of the Eiffel Tower, consider climbing to the top of the Tour Montparnasse , which offers sweeping views of the city (including perhaps the best view in town of the Eiffel Tower itself). And instead of Versailles, consider visiting the Château de Chantilly , a magnificent castle 40 minutes by train from Paris that houses the second-largest collection of antique paintings in France (after the Louvre) as well as sprawling gardens.
Overall, if you’re vigilant, flexible about last-minute changes and open to new experiences, your Parisian experience should go relatively smoothly.
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What Travelers Need to Know About the Ongoing Paris Riots
On its anniversary, the yellow vest protests against a gas tax and french president emmanuel macron turned violent once again in 2019..
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Protesters from the Yellow Vests Movement have gathered in Paris’s streets every Saturday since mid-November 2018.
Photo by Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock
>> See our most up-to-date coverage on the 2023 Paris protests , and how they’re impacting travel.
Violence returned to the streets of Paris on Saturday, November 16, as protesters marked the one-year anniversary of the anti-government Yellow Vests Movement. After demonstrators set trash cans and several cars on fire at the Place d’Italie, police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Instead of wearing the gilets jaunes or yellow vests associated with the movement, these protesters were mainly youths wearing masks and dressed in black, Reuters reports .
At its peak in late 2018, an estimated 282,000 people took part in anti-government protests across the country. In recent months, the number of people taking part in the demonstrations dwindled to just a few thousand people. But on the movement’s first anniversary, its leaders called for people to turn out once again. While police have banned protests from taking place near the Eiffel Tower and other tourist attractions, several dozen Paris Metro and RER stations were closed on Saturday and into Sunday in light of the violence.
By Saturday night, the Paris police said they had arrested 147 people involved in the protests in France’s capital city.
Here’s what travelers need to know about visiting Paris and other parts of France right now.
What caused the Paris riots?
The Yellow Vests Movement—named after the fluorescent vests the protesters are wearing during their demonstrations—began in mid-November 2018 in reaction to French President Emmanuel Macron’s fuel tax hike, which was implemented to help reduce emissions and combat global warming.
Even though Macron cancelled the tax on December 5, 2018, the protests continued and have become a more generalized reaction against the government’s overall economic policies and the high cost of living. On December 10, 2018, Macron addressed the divided country promising to increase the minimum wage by €100 a month among other things.
On April 25, 2019, during Macron’s first press conference in two years as president, the politician promised hefty income tax cuts as well as pension raises for the country’s middle class. In response to the protests, he also vowed that no more schools or hospitals would be closed during his presidency.
Despite Macron’s efforts, the movement is still alive. On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, Yellow Vest protesters were on the streets in Paris for the annual May Day marches, which are traditionally led by local union organizers. According to the BBC , France’s interior ministry said that more than 150,000 demonstrators took to the streets around the country this year, but the more volatile protests took place in the capital, where a reported crowd of up to 40,000 united.
“It won’t be enough to erase what many perceive as 18 months of disdain from the president,” says Lindsey Tramuta , a freelance writer and frequent AFAR contributor based in Paris. “The ‘emergency’ measures to ease the population’s pain are seen as insufficient gestures.”
Which neighborhoods in Paris are affected?
The U.S. Embassy previously warned people to avoid the main routes and gathering points in Paris during the protests, as well as major landmarks, including the Place de la Concorde, Place de la Madeleine, Place de la Bastille, Place de la République, Assemblée National, and the Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower. In addition to the clashes between police and demonstrators at the Place d’Italie on Saturday, November 16, violence also broke out near the Porte de Champerret just north of the Arc de Triomphe as a protestors prepared to march to Gare d’Austerlitz, Reuters reports .
Currently, French police ban Yellow Vest demonstrations near major tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower. Police have used rubber bullets, water cannons, and tear gas against protesters in some cases, while Paris police prefect Michel Delpuech says that several officers encountered protesters using hammers, gardening tools, and rocks in physical confrontations with the police.
The demonstrations may cause traffic and impact transportation in and around Paris, including significant delays in travel between downtown and the major airports, Charles de Gaulle Roissy and Orly . According to Tramuta, the areas that haven’t been affected during Saturday protests in Paris include most of Saint-Germain des Pres, the 14th, and 15th arrondissements, as well as the Belleville/Buttes Chaumont neighborhood.
Paris police and firefighters at the Yellow Vest protests on December 8, 2018
Photo by William Lounsbury / Shutterstock
In late 2018, protesters also blocked traffic circles and highways in places like Marseille, Toulouse, and Bordeaux, as well as at the French borders of Belgium and Italy, causing traffic jams. While trying to leave Nice airport in early December 2018, AFAR cofounder Joe Diaz said that protesters were blocking traffic to the airport and his Uber driver was forced to go over a sidewalk and “some gardens” to reach the arrivals area.
If you plan to arrive in or depart from France on a Saturday, it could be best to take public transportation to the airports. The U.S. Embassy in Paris issues regular Demonstration Alerts to give people an idea of where the protests are taking place.
What are the December 5 strikes about?
Anyone with winter travel plans to France should also be aware that trade unions are calling for railway workers, civil servants, truck drivers, and Paris public transport staff to strike on December 5, 2019, against the government’s pension overhaul plan, Reuters reports .
For more information, read AFAR’s explainer on how the France transit strike will affect travelers in Paris in December 2019.
Is the U.S. State Department warning against travel to France?
As of April 1, 2019, the France Travel Advisory remains at a Level 2 (indicating that travelers should continue to exercise increased caution). The U.S. Embassy cites the reasons as terrorism and civil unrest.
Yellow Vest protesters confront anti-riot police in Paris on January 5, 2019.
Photo by Paulo Amorim / Shutterstock
What should you do if you’re traveling to France? The U.S. State Department recommends anyone traveling in or near the protests in Paris or other parts of France to use their common sense and “be aware of your surroundings,” “review travel plans if you will be in France on weekends,” and “avoid demonstrations,” which are typically announced the day before they happen.
If you happen to find yourself in the area of a protest turned violent, they recommend sheltering in place and closing the windows to avoid any smoke or tear gas. If you’re traveling by car, do not park your vehicle near the demonstration areas since protesters have set cars on fire during the riots. If possible, consider relocating to another area before the protests begin if a march is scheduled near where you are staying.
Lastly, monitor local news stations for updates. The following English-language websites cover local French news.
- France24.com
- TheLocal.fr
- RATP.fr (for information on Metro closures)
For additional assistance, contact the U.S. Embassy in Paris at +33 (1) 43 12 22 22 or [email protected]. Those traveling in the south of France can contact the U.S. Consulate General in Marseille at +33 (1) 43 12 22 22 or [email protected].
The Associated Press contributed reporting. This article originally appeared online on December 10, 2018; it was updated on May 1, 2019, and again on November 17, 2019, to include current information.
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France's protests explained: everything you need to know if you're visiting Paris soon
Protests and strike action have sprung up across France and its capital, Paris, after the French government rushed through a contentious bill to raise the country's retirement age this week – resulting in flight cancellations, demonstrations and tonnes of trash piling up. So what does this mean for those expecting to travel to Paris or France in the next few days? Here's everything to know.
Why are there strikes in Paris?
The strikes and protests are being helmed by French people who are angered at the government's intention to raise the country's retirement age. After widespread controversy around the move (which shifts the retirement age in France from 62 to 64), President Macron's government effectively forced the bill through parliament without a vote. The move escalated long-standing gripes about the change and triggered protests that are still ongoing at the time of writing (Friday 31 March 2023).
Which sectors are striking?
Many public sectors have chosen to strike over the issue, including rubbish disposal, teachers and public transport officials. Flights have been cancelled due to an air traffic controllers strike (20 per cent of flights from Paris-Orly and Marseille-Provence airports were cancelled on Tuesday 21 March and Wednesday 22 March). This weekend (1 and 2 April), scores more flights will be cancelled. 20 per cent of flights leaving Toulouse and Bordeaux airports will be cancelled on Saturday. 25 per cent of flights at Paris-Orly airport and 20 per cent of flights leaving Toulouse, Bordeaux and Nantes airports will be cancelled on Sunday. The Paris metro might be affected on some days – always check before you travel.
Is it safe to visit Paris at the moment?
At the moment, the Foreign Office doesn't advise against travel to France. It does warn of disruption and delays thanks to ongoing cross-sector strike action this week and advises UK travellers to keep checking up-to-date local media to keep informed about what's going on in Paris and across France. Gov.uk states, “Protests could turn violent and/or continue. These could lead to disruptions to road travel.”
The official page also says, “You should monitor the media, check the latest advice with operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.”
What should I expect if I am visiting Paris soon?
Basically, expect your trip to be disrupted. As we've stated, flights are being delayed and cancelled, and public transport (trains, buses etc) are being affected by the strikes. There could be road closures or delays.
Paris in particular is making headlines at the moment because of the amount of rubbish building up in the streets as disposal workers are on strike, too. Some news outlets report that as much as 10,000 tonnes of trash have built up in the streets. The disposal strike ended this week, but it will take time for workers to clear the huge amount of rubbish on the streets. Meanwhile, monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre have been forced to close on some days this week.
There are also ongoing protests, with some of those taking part detained by the police.
When will the protests and strikes in Paris and France end?
That's the golden question. Thursday 23 March was marked as a day of cross-sector strike action, but we said last week that disruption could continue beyond this date – and it has. More strike action has been declared on Thursday 6 April, for example.
The French government narrowly survived a vote of no confidence this week, and the bill is going ahead – so the protests don't show any sign of dying down soon.
We'll keep updating this piece as more information becomes available.
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What to know if you are travelling to Paris during protests and strikes
PARIS – The guests who checked into Rosewood’s Hotel de Crillon last week were likely visiting Paris for all the city’s enduring draws – the food, the romance, the museums and the fashion.
But last Thursday evening, their US$2,450 (S$3,290)-a-night rooms became the doorstep of a massive protest at the adjacent Place de la Concorde filled with thousands of citizens speaking out against the government’s use of a constitutional provision to pass its retirement Bill, which failed to gather the majority of representatives in France’s lower house of parliament.
In response to the reforms planned by President Emmanuel Macron, garbage collectors have been on strike since March 6.
Piles of trash are stacking up around Paris, as garbage collectors protest against the raising of their industry’s retirement age from 57 to 59. The walkout of the trash collectors was set to run at least to March 20, but could run longer.
Until this year, the last time that protests on this scale affected the city was in late 2018 and early 2019, when Yellow Vests clashed with government forces, sometimes violently, in cities throughout France.
Tourism took a clear hit. Local transit and hotel companies such as Accor saw their shares dip and tourist sites such as the Louvre and Orsay museums shut down for safety.
Thus far, the protests in Paris remain unthreatening to tourists.
There is no indication that travellers should consider cancelling their plans, and the United States’ Department of State travel advisory remains at a standard Level 2 – the same as virtually every popular tourism destination in Europe or the Caribbean.
There are some signs of rising tensions, however. Police used water cannons last Thursday to disperse the protestors at the Place de la Concorde, which is just across a bridge from France’s National Assembly.
There is a lot at stake. In 2022, France’s international tourism spending reached €50 billion (S$71.6 billion), surpassing pre-pandemic levels by €1.2 billion, and representing 10 per cent of France’s gross domestic product.
France also remains on track to regain its pre-pandemic title as the most-visited country in the world by 2025, according to data analytics.
National carrier Air France is also boosting its service to pre-pandemic levels this summer, ahead of an anticipated surge in demand and the return of Chinese travellers.
Difficulty getting around
But that does not mean that visitors will find Paris unaffected. Some pavements in the city have become impassable, full of garbage bags leaking rotting food and spilling broken bottles onto the pavement.
Although France’s interior minister has promised to requisition rubbish collectors to start to dig out the backlog, there has not been any evidence that many are back on the job in those neighbourhoods affected by the strike.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Americans on spring break and other international travellers has led to visitors spreading photos, posts and comments about the rubbish piles around Paris.
How to plan ahead
Those piles could disappear rapidly if collectors are, indeed, forced back onto the job. For residents and visitors, there is not much to do about that – except perhaps to hold your nose.
But there are a few precautions that travellers can take to ensure their trips are otherwise unaffected by the political unrest.
In anticipation of possible transit strikes, which took place amid the 2018 and 2019 protests, it could be prudent to schedule an airport transfer via your hotel.
Not only will you circumvent any unplanned changes to the public transit service, but the hotel will also be responsible for guaranteeing your service or communicating clearly about any anticipated challenges should taxi drivers suddenly join the trash collectors.
Before leaving on a romantic stroll of the city, check in with the front desk or concierge. They are likely to know where and when protests are planned, so you are not inadvertently swept into a demonstration.
Note that the next major day of strikes and protests is scheduled for Thursday.
Ms Gail Boisclair, founder of furnished rentals company PerfectlyParis, has been telling her clients to avoid the areas around Republique and Bastille on Saturdays because of the demonstrations, but says strikes come with the territory.
“Everyone knows the French strike, and if you come to France, you might get a strike,” she notes. “But it’s not always with our garbage.”
Ms Boisclair says she saw rubbish piled up high around the ninth and 17th arrondissements.
Ms Lindsey Tramuta, journalist and author of The New Parisienne, recommends that visitors download the Citymapper app. “It’s great to use for knowing if public transport is disrupted and which routes in particular, or in the case of big demonstrations, if certain stations will be closed for safety,” she says.
For those who do not speak French, she also advises keeping an eye on English-language media such as France24 and The Local France for up-to-date information on strikes.
And while it may seem obvious, check the social media of attractions such as museums, to make sure they are open. You do not want to trek across a city only to find out that museum workers are also on strike.
The Paris Tourism Office’s Twitter (@ParisJeTaime) is also a good resource on closures, as well as that of local guide @paris_by_elodie.
But most importantly, tourists should exercise patience and budget extra time to get around. The metro service, rail schedules and even airport operations have all seen on-and-off disruption during the recent protests. BLOOMBERG
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What to Know About Traveling in Europe Amid Protests and Strikes
T ravelers hoping to visit the Louvre Museum in Paris were in for a surprise on Monday: instead of the Mona Lisa, they saw a crowd of protestors blocking museum entrances amid ongoing protests by union workers sweeping the city. The protests are the latest disruptions for those traveling to Europe this spring, as aviation, railway, and bus workers continue to strike over poor pay, working conditions, and other government policies.
Travel experts advise international travelers to expect and prepare for the disruptions well in advance of a busy travel season in Europe. While it’s unlikely the strikes will wipe out your travel plans entirely, there are ways you can circumvent unexpected roadblocks—starting with checking if your flights, hotel reservations, and itineraries overlap with any planned industrial action.
“The most important thing for travelers to pack when going to Europe this spring is their patience,” adds Michael Holtz, Founder, and CEO of SmartFlyer .
Where are the strikes happening and why?
Industrial action is expected to ripple across Europe on multiple days and in many countries.
The latest disruption for passengers occurred in France due to air traffic controller strikes, where workers have joined an unprecedented wave of industrial action against President Emmanuel Macron’s unpopular reforms for pension, which will raise the age of retirement from 62 to 64. Additionally, tens of thousands of people are striking in various French cities as part of their workers’ unions, which includes train, metro and bus drivers.
European airlines have warned this may delay planes landing, taking off, or flying over French airspace. While French law dictates domestic flights must continue during strikes, international flights entering French airspace are not similarly protected. RyanAir, Europe’s biggest airline, is asking customers to sign a petition urging the European Commission to keep the skies open.
Read More: Protests Sweep France After Pension Reform Is Forced Through by Macron
In Germany, two of the country’s largest unions went on strike earlier this week to demand higher pay at airports, ports, railways, underground services, and buses, leading Lufthansa Airlines to ground its flights through March 28. The airline advised travelers via email not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking for a flight. It also urged those who were planning to take a domestic flight to travel by train instead. More flight cancellations are expected this summer .
In the U.K., nearly a thousand border officers have striked on several occasions. At London’s Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, a 10-day strike over a pay dispute has been announced by security guards during the Easter holiday period beginning March 31, although Heathrow stated it will continue to be “open and operational” during this time.
Visitors to Italy are also advised to keep checking if strike announcements overlap with their travel dates as strikes are expected to disrupt transport across the country, with gas station workers taking to the streets to protest against the high prices of petrol. In Spain, 17 airports are affected, including Madrid, Barcelona and Tenerife, as ground staff working for Swissport Handling continue to strike over pay and working conditions until mid-April. (The planned action doesn’t impact major airlines like Ryanair or easyJet.)
How can you plan your travel during a strike?
In most cases, an agreement is usually reached before strike action goes ahead, which means that travelers can hopefully avoid disruptions, says Sean Tipton from the ABTA, a trade association for the U.K. travel industry.
“That said, some strikes will go ahead. So the next thing to do is to put an efficient contingency plan in place,” said Tipton.
Know all the details: Often, strike notices are posted weeks in advance. In most cases, the airlines or train operators will share critical information over email or text messages, but you should also do your own research on whether your trip might be affected by strike action. Check local news sites and airport authority websites as many will post a calendar of proposed strike action.
If possible, avoid dates when strike action is planned. But if traveling on those days is necessary, figure out alternate routes to reach your destination and take detours to avoid areas that may be impacted by the protests. Plan for your safety, too. For example, U.S. travelers can register for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get current safety information and be contacted by the embassy in emergencies.
And finally, it’s always good travel discipline to have a backup plan, said Tipton. That can include figuring out alternate routes or means of travel; chalking up a different sightseeing itinerary; or planning what to do in instances where you may have to wait for the next available flight or train.
Usually, airlines or train operators are obligated to arrange alternatives for passengers affected by delays or cancellations. Being a member of frequent flyer clubs may enable you to access extra benefits like lounge access through your airlines. Experts also suggest packing everything in your hand luggage: “That way, you can avoid baggage control issues,” Tipton said.
What can you do if your flight or train is delayed or canceled?
In the worst-case scenario where your flight or train is canceled due to strike action, most airlines and train operators will arrange a replacement train or flight or issue a refund. In the instance of overnight transit, the airlines will also pay for your accommodation. You’ll likely have to purchase food or other necessary items, so Tipton advises keeping all your receipts so that you can claim reimbursements from your airlines.
Another hack from Tipton is to purchase a “through ticket” where possible, which means booking all flights to your destination in one go, rather than through multiple, separate bookings. By law, through tickets protect customers by ensuring customers reach their final destination despite unexpected changes or delays. “That’s a good protection if you’re flying long haul, and where your travel involves separate flights,” he said,
Holtz at SmartFlyer also recommends booking through a travel advisor, which can arm travelers with local fixers on the ground in case of disruptions or emergencies. “Even if you hit a snag on your way to a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley and your agent is still sleeping, you’ve got a local contact who can step in to help,” he said.
Finally, think about taking out travel insurance. Some credit cards automatically entitle you to insurance that covers labor disruptions, but it’s helpful to check exactly what is covered and what the card’s limits may be. Then, you can determine if you need to purchase additional coverage. “You should always take out travel insurance,” said Tipton, because “without it, you could end up with potentially horrendous bills” in case of medical or other travel emergencies.
In every instance, Tipton says the most important thing is to be aware of your rights. “At the very least, you are entitled to ask for your money back if your flight was canceled,” he said. Travelers can read more about their rights under the European Union rules , which also apply to travelers from Britain (which is no longer part of the E.U.).
Other tips and tricks to make your travel smooth and enjoyable
Holtz says that post-pandemic, travel has adapted to become slower in all the best ways. This means that creating room for flexibility and spontaneity is key.
“By planning for a longer length of stay versus trying to combine too many things, you set yourself up not to be too stressed if the unexpected happens,” he said.
And Tipton’s last piece of advice might sound surprising: don’t over-prepare by arriving at the airport earlier than necessary. Last summer, travelers worried about lining up in long queues at U.K. airports arrived six or seven hours in advance, which in turn created more chaos.
“Suddenly, an airport that would’ve otherwise been empty became full. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy,” Tipton warned.
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Travel During the Paris Protests: What’s it Really Like in the City?
You’ve seen the images on TV. Street protests turn violent in France. Shop windows smashed, objects set on fire. The trash has piled up on the capital’s sidewalks and in the streets. Does this portray an alarmist view of the situation? What’s really going on? And is it safe to travel to Paris right now?
First, a little background. A series of strikes and manifestations , or street demonstrations, has taken place regularly against the government’s planned pension reform over the last few months. During his presidential campaign, President Macron had made a campaign promise to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 — something he claims is vital to preserve France’s “share-out” system since people are living longer. (Other alternatives would be: increasing the contributions from those in the workforce, or cutting the value of pensions.) Yet the reform is unpopular. And when the legislation went to the National Assembly on March 16, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne invoked a special constitutional power called L’article 49.3, which avoided a vote in the lower chamber— where they wouldn’t have a majority— to push through the reform as law. This was the 100th time the article has been used since the founding of the Fifth Republic.
Though the move was legal, it has only increased French anger at what is seen as an undemocratic process. The French who take to the streets— in a long tradition of protests— are doing so because they feel it’s the only way to make their voices heard. With rising food prices and the decline of purchasing power, the pension reform is the straw that broke the camel’s back. Among those we’ve spoken with on the streets, the perception is that the president is not listening.
L’Assemblée nationale. Photo credit: Dinkum / Wikimedia commons
What and where are the street protests?
Tuesday, March 28th was the “ 10ème journée de mobilisation ,” or the 10th day of nationwide demonstrations. According to the Ministry of the Interior, 740,000 people gathered in France, including 93,000 in Paris. The unions claimed a higher number. The first such day of mobilization took place on January 19. These street demonstrations are announced in advance and follow specific routes, also announced in advance, usually including Bastille, Nation, place de la République and/or place d’Italie. Mostly these protests are peaceful. The unions will wave their flags and signs, play music, and often have trucks with entertainment (much like a parade). Check out this photo essay we just published to get a sense of what these demonstrations look like.
The images you saw on the news? Last Thursday night after the street protest, the manif’ was infiltrated by violent casseurs , or anarchists, who destroyed private property and set fires. A number of arrests were made by the police. There’s no place for this kind of violence, and it angers many of the protestors who are trying to express themselves peacefully. It also turns public opinion against the demonstrators.
The unions have now called for the next journée de mobilisation (the 11th) to take place on Thursday, April 6.
Demonstrators flying flags and balloons of various unions in Paris on 23 March. Photo credit: Rémi Simonnin / Wikimedia commons
Often the Paris metro system is affected during the demonstration days. This only happens if members of the RATP, or Paris public transport authority, vote to go on strike. Metros and buses still run, but less frequently. The driverless lines, no. 1 and 14, still operate at their normal frequency.
Need to know: Bus routes can be altered or stopped altogether, depending on the protest route. In general, the RER suburban lines are more affected than the metro. The RATP gives real-time information about the closures on their official website and app.
For those Parisians not participating in the demonstrations, it’s “life as usual.” Work, errands to the store, school pick-up, restaurant dinners with friends. Paris is a walkable city, and biking has become more popular, so we find ways to get to your meetings.
It’s easy to avoid the street protests altogether, depending on what neighborhood you’re in. For example, the left bank districts are generally not as affected (though there was a demonstration route near Place Denfert-Rochereau and Place d’Italie a few weeks ago).
Paris- Charles-de-Gaulle airport, aerial view. © Paris Tourist Office/ JOUANNEAUX, Jean-Marc pour Aéroports de Paris
What about the airports and train stations?
This depends whether the staff (such as air traffic controllers) decide to go on strike. For example, at Orly airport this can reach a cancellation of 30% of flights. International long-haul flights are generally not affected. This past Tuesday during the demonstration day, the Orly bus was operating as usual between Orly airport and Place Denfert-Rochereau. The RER B from CDG airport can be affected, in which case we recommend taking a G7 taxi. The taxi prices from the airport are fixed by the government.
Likewise, SNCF, the French national rail company, has been canceling select trains on strike days. Know that major cities are still being served and that people are still traveling by rail during this time.
Louvre Pyramid in Paris. © Pixabay at Pexels
Do monuments and museums close on demonstration days?
This also depends on whether the staff decide to go on strike, or whether there’s not enough personnel to manage the site due to public transportation issues. This doesn’t happen during each demonstration day. If there are going to be closures, announcements are made via the website or social media channels. For example, The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Chateau de Versailles were closed during the last strike day on Tuesday.
Note: there are so many different museums in Paris that there is always *something* open. See our article “ Choose Your Muse: Match Your Personality to a Paris Museum ” for a options.
And restaurants?
We have been dining as usual in Paris restaurants. None of our reservations have been canceled.
🚮🇫🇷 Insolite : l’artiste urbain Bisk transforme les tas monstres de poubelles à #Paris , en poubelles monstres. (Le Monde) pic.twitter.com/HIkjkJdJE7 — Mediavenir (@Mediavenir) March 24, 2023
What about the trash? Is it as bad as it looks?
Paris is no stranger to strikes by the trash collectors, but the latest may be the worst in recent memory. Mountains have trash have been accumulating on the streets and sidewalks. Building managers have even advised residents to keep the trash in their apartments. However some neighborhoods have not been affected at all. For example, the 13th arrondissement trash collection is overseen by a private company, and so the streets are clean — in stark contrast with the neighboring 14th arrondissement where it’s only been collected a few times in the last three weeks. But there’s good news: The CGT union announced the end of the strike today, and trash trucks were seen resuming their routes in the city. Note that access to one of the trash incinerators in the suburbs was still blocked by protestors.
That’s not to say that the strikes won’t resume again. Some union representatives are threatening to start up again as soon as possible, and continue their action until the pension reform has been withdrawn. Meanwhile Prime Minister Borne has extended an offer to the unions to meet at the negotiating table.
Have other questions? We’ll be happy to help. Just leave them in the comment section below.
Lead photo credit : Demonstrators on the July Column. Photo credit: Roland Godefroy / Wikimedia commons
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Is it safe to travel to Paris right now?
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Paris has seen nights of unrest following the killing of a 17-year-old by police officers on 27 June.
The death of the teenager, known only as Nahel, was captured on video and has shocked France, stirring long-simmering tensions between young people and the police in disadvantaged neighbourhoods around the country.
Transport and businesses have been disrupted as a result of the clashes; on Friday (30 June), interior minister Gérald Darmanin asked regional prefects for all bus and tram services to stop from 9pm local time. Before travelling, check if your plans will be affected and how you’ll get around.
Towards the end of the weekend, riots in the country appeared to be calming, with 157 people were arrested on Sunday night, compared with more than 700 the night before.
But as the French capital is gearing up for its annual influx of summer holidaymakers, is it safe to travel to Paris ?
Where are the clashes?
Clashes first erupted on Tuesday night in Nanterre, a town in the western suburbs of Paris, and nearby, and continued their overnight on Wednesday. They continued between Wednesday and Thursday, during which a fire damaged the town hall of the Paris suburb of L’Ile-Saint-Denis, not far from France‘s national stadium and the headquarters of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The troubles spread further on Thursday night and into Friday, with looting taking place in Rue de Rivoli, which is near the Louvre Museum and the Champs Elysées, and a central Nike store was broken into – a significant escalation. Videos circulating on social media show a fire at the site of an Olympic swimming pool, reported to be under construction for the 2024 Games.
Is it safe to visit Paris?
Around 17 million Brits visit France every year, and most of the visits are free of trouble, but the ugly scenes over the past couple of days could understandably cause some concern.
One important thing to consider is where you’re travelling to in the capital. Most of the city is unaffected by the unrest and the vast majority of it is confined to non-tourist areas: protests began in Nanterre and have spread to other areas, including Bezons, Gennevilliers, Garges-les-Gonesse, Asnieres-sur-Seine, Montreuil, Neuilly-sur-Marne, Clamart and Meudon.
However, this are all beyond the “Periphique” ring road that circles the central district of Paris, where most of the main tourist attractions are located. If you find yourself close to any protests, the advice is to leave the impacted area.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued a travel warning for France, however The Independent has contacted it for an update. The US State Department issued a security alert June warning its citizens to steer clear of trouble spots.
The FCDO website currently states: “Since 27 June, riots have taken place across France. Many have turned violent. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted. There may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced. Some local authorities may impose curfews. Locations and timing of riots are unpredictable. You should monitor the media, avoid areas where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities.”
Am I covered by travel insurance?
The FCDO says “it is more important than ever to get travel insurance”. If you are caught in the unrest, or if you decide you don’t want to travel, it’s important to check the fine print: many travel insurance only offer limited cover for claims related to or caused by civil unrest.
During major industrial action in France earlier this year, Helen Phipps, director at comparethemarket.com, told ITV News that it was important for travellers to “check your policy wording or contact your insurance provider to confirm what you are covered for”.
She added: “Many people risk failing to take out insurance far enough in advance, leaving them unprotected if something goes wrong.”
Amber Moon, marketing manager at travel insurance provider Holidaysafe, told The Independent said: “Your travel insurance would still be valid in the normal way for medical expenses, for example, if for some reason you got caught up in any rioting by chance and were injured. This would also apply to personal possessions if they were lost and damaged as a result of a disturbance. But we would advise all travellers to take reasonable precautions to avoid areas where rioting is taking place.
She added: “As with all trips abroad we would advise travellers to let someone know where they are going and to keep their policy details with them at all times in case something does go wrong.”
A number of holiday providers told The Independent that they have had no contact from customers about the issues in France, while a spokesperson for easyJet said: “Any customers due to fly to France this weekend who would like to change their plans can contact our customer service team for assistance with their options which includes a transfer to an alternative flight and we will waive the change fee.”
What about other cities in France?
Fires and clashes have been reported in various French cities overnight, from Toulouse in the south to Lille in the north, but the main area affected is Nanterre. Again, be sure to check your travel insurance and plan ahead.
In the southern city of Marseille, France’s second-largest, authorities banned public demonstrations set for Friday, and encouraged restaurants to close outdoor eating areas early. They said all public transport would stop at 7pm.
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Protest in Paris against inaction on Gaza genocide
Thousands of people gathered in Paris to protest the lack of action from French and European leaders against Israel during more than a year of genocide in Gaza. The demonstrators condemned France’s continued arms support to Israel.
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The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office notes that demonstrations in Paris and other parts of France could turn violent and there could be "disruptions to road travel," while ongoing ...
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With violent and fiery protests gripping Paris and other cities across France in the wake of the fatal police shooting of a teenage boy, many of the millions planning a visit there this summer ...
What are the 2023 Paris protests about? The latest unrest in Paris and throughout France followed the police shooting of Nahel, a 17-year-old boy of Algerian heritage, in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, an incident that was captured on video, CNN reported. The killing surfaced concerns and outrage about ongoing issues of racism and poverty in ...
Protest days have led to violent clashes with police in recent weeks with thousands of people taking to the streets of Paris. But there aren't currently any travel warnings in place for France.
Over the last few weeks, images of overflowing garbage bins and violent street protests in Paris have dominated the international news cycle - raising qualms among travelers. If you have plans to visit the French capital this spring, here's the low-down on how to experience the city fully - but safely.
The demonstrations may cause traffic and impact transportation in and around Paris, including significant delays in travel between downtown and the major airports, ... According to Tramuta, the areas that haven't been affected during Saturday protests in Paris include most of Saint-Germain des Pres, the 14th, and 15th arrondissements, as well ...
France has been rocked by a wave of protests after a 17-year-old youth was shot by police near Paris on Tuesday, sparking a ban on demonstrations in some cities, travel warnings and reigniting a ...
It does warn of disruption and delays thanks to ongoing cross-sector strike action this week and advises UK travellers to keep checking up-to-date local media to keep informed about what's going on in Paris and across France. Gov.uk states, "Protests could turn violent and/or continue. These could lead to disruptions to road travel."
Thus far, the protests in Paris remain unthreatening to tourists. Read more at straitstimes.com. ... and the United States' Department of State travel advisory remains at a standard Level 2 ...
"On 16 March, large-scale demonstrations started in central Paris and elsewhere in France and police presence increased. "Protests could turn violent and/or continue. These could lead to ...
T ravelers hoping to visit the Louvre Museum in Paris were in for a surprise on Monday: instead of the Mona Lisa, they saw a crowd of protestors blocking museum entrances amid ongoing protests by ...
Travel Travel News Country bans fireworks ahead of Bastille Day Police officers patrol in front of the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees in Paris, 1 July 2023.
Paris is a walkable city, and biking has become more popular, so we find ways to get to your meetings. It's easy to avoid the street protests altogether, depending on what neighborhood you're in. For example, the left bank districts are generally not as affected (though there was a demonstration route near Place Denfert-Rochereau and Place ...
Riot police stand guard at a protest near the Opera Garnier in Paris A fourth night of riots is, as feared, taking place in France. Let's look back at what's been happening over the last few hours.
The France travel advisory from the U.S. State Department is still at a Level 2 as of March 30, 2023, indicating that travelers should continue to exercise increased caution. The U.S. Embassy ...
On June 29, 2023 the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France issued a security alert for American tourists in France or traveling to France citing riots and unrest after the police shooting of a 17 ...
On protest days, it's best to avoid the axis connecting Gare de Lyon and Gare de l'Est, as well as major train stations throughout Paris. Specifically for the protest on January 16, the axis ...
Is it safe to travel to Paris right now? As March 23 was a designated day of walkouts and protests across the country, there is an expectation that the streets will be calmer in the coming days.
Which parts of Paris are affected, and how does travel insurance cover you? ... protests began in Nanterre and have spread to other areas, including Bezons, Gennevilliers, Garges-les-Gonesse ...
Thousands of people gathered in Paris to protest the lack of action from French and European leaders against Israel during more than a year of genocide in Gaza. The demonstrators condemned France ...