Protests and strike action have swept across France in recent months following President Emmanuel Macron’s attempts to push through a controversial pension reform bill without a vote in the lower house.
Workers across the transport, education, fuel and utility sectors have walked out in protest of the bill, which would push the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Industrial action by sanitation workers has resulted in giant stacks of rubbish piling up in the French capital, plus Marseille, Nantes and Angers, a visible (and pungent) symbol of the resentment felt by public-sector workers.
And on Thursday (23 March), another general strike is set to take place across France, with further disruption expected.
But is it safe to travel to Paris during this period of protest and strikes? Here’s everything you need to know.
Is it safe to travel to Paris amid strikes and protests?
A woman walks past a pile of uncollected rubbish in Paris as strikes entered their 15th day
(AFP via Getty Images)
France has a proud reputation of being a nation unafraid of taking to the streets to make its disdain for political processes felt.
While recent protests have been significant in their scale, protests are not an uncommon sight in France, particularly in the capital.
Last weekend, police clashed with protesters after they lit a fire in the Place de la Concorde near the National Assembly building in Paris.
Footage showed police firing tear gas at protesters, while hundreds of people were arrested.
And on Friday (17 March), police pepper-sprayed students near the Sorbonne University.
Current guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises visitors to avoid demonstrations and remain vigilant.
“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 disruptions to road travel.
“You should monitor the media, check the latest advice with operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.”
It adds: “If demonstrations do turn violent, a heavy police/gendarmerie presence is to be expected. In all cases, you should avoid demonstrations wherever possible and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
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