Visiting France Amid Protests: What You Need to Know

With winter behind us, many travelers are dreaming of the ultimate springtime getaway: Paris.

However, the City of Light, along with other regions of France, is currently in turmoil as violent protests erupt across the country.

So, what’s going on, and should tourists planning to visit one of the world’s top destinations reconsider their plans?

Here are answers to some important questions:

What’s Going on in France Right Now?

Many citizens are protesting President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform, which plans to raise the retirement age for full pensions from 62 to 64. They’re also frustrated that he used special constitutional powers to push the reform through without a full parliamentary vote.

In response, strikes and street protests have erupted, some escalating into violent clashes and widespread destruction. This is why you may have seen images of overflowing trash in Paris, canceled trains across the country, or cars set on fire during the protests.

Although the new pension law hasn’t been implemented yet, the unions leading the strikes have made it clear that the demonstrations will persist until Macron reverses the reform.

What are the main areas of unrest?

Paris and most major cities – including Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux, and Rennes – have been swept up in protests.

Unions are announcing nationwide strikes a few days in advance, with the next one planned for March 28. Recently, however, spontaneous protests have also sprung up in city centers.

In more rural areas, like the French Riviera, daily life remains largely unaffected by the protests.

Is it safe to travel, or should I rethink my plans?

King Charles of Britain made headlines on Friday when he canceled his state visit to France, scheduled for March 26-29, due to the ongoing unrest.

That said, neither the UK nor the US has issued official travel warnings urging travelers to reconsider their plans to visit France.

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has highlighted that protests in Paris and across France could turn violent, potentially causing “disruptions to road travel,” while ongoing strikes may “impact services.”

The US State Department’s advisory, unchanged since October 2022, places France at “Level 2: Exercise increased caution” due to concerns about terrorism and civil unrest.

The UK advisory notes that around 17 million British nationals visit France annually, with the vast majority of visits being trouble-free.

Most incidents related to the current unrest appear to be isolated, so there is a good chance travelers can avoid them, as long as they stay informed about the situation.

As always, travelers are reminded to ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

Will airport delays occur?

While most long-haul flights remain unaffected, there have been some disruptions to short-haul European and domestic flights.

A recent nationwide strike caused capacity reductions at Orly Airport near Paris, though Charles de Gaulle Airport, which handles the majority of international flights, was not impacted.

Are trains, public transport, and roadways affected?

Trains and public transport are likely where visitors will feel the most impact from the strikes.

On strike days, which currently occur once or twice a week, the Paris Metro is usually out of service, and up to 25% of TGV intercity high-speed trains are typically canceled.

Cycling and walking are still the most reliable ways to get around Paris, as strike-related traffic congestion makes even taxis a poor choice.

So far, the strikes and protests have not affected major highways between cities.

Are museums, landmarks, and other attractions still open?

Most tourist sites are still open, except on strike days. For example, both the Eiffel Tower and Versailles were closed on recent national strike days.

It’s a good idea to check the attraction’s website before your visit.

Is it still possible to enjoy a hassle-free trip to Paris?

While you can still travel to Paris and have an enjoyable vacation, it's unlikely that your visit will be completely unaffected by the ongoing protests – especially regarding transport.

That said, Paris is a dynamic city with a sprawling Metro system, home to over 11 million people. Even in normal times, it’s a place that can surprise you – both in good and challenging ways.

Visitors should stay updated on local events and be ready for unforeseen, evolving situations.

Are there any websites or apps providing updates?

While there aren’t any dedicated websites for tracking strikes or protest disruptions, transportation companies offer reliable updates on service changes.

– For Paris Metro and regional trains, RATP is the go-to source.

– For intercity trains, SNCF provides the most current information.

– For flight updates, visit Air France for the latest information.

To get around Paris, the Citymapper app provides the most accurate real-time updates on traffic and metro schedules.