US Urges Extra Caution in France as Weekend Protests Turn to Riots

Travellers in France are being urged to exercise increased caution after large-scale protests and other demonstrations turned into riots in parts of the country over the weekend. Fires and violence have damaged historic structures, disrupted public transportation in some cases and forced popular attractions, including the Louvre, to close temporarily.

Key facts

• The U.S. State Department advises Americans to exercise increased caution in France because of terrorism and unrest.
• Officials have made thousands of arrests and implemented curfews across the country.
• The Louvre was forced to close temporarily; public transportation has been disrupted in some cases.
• The U.S. Embassy says there are no planned strikes affecting air travel or rail service.
• Several European governments have issued similar advisories for France.

What has happened in France?

Residents have clashed with law enforcement on multiple occasions amid the rising cost of living, frustration over schooling conditions and other local issues. Fires and other violence have damaged historic structures and disrupted public transportation in some cases.

Visitor attractions have also been affected: the Louvre was forced to close temporarily. In response, officials have carried out thousands of arrests and put curfews in place across the country.

What are governments telling travellers?

The latest guidance from the U.S. State Department encourages Americans to exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and unrest. The department notes that peaceful demonstrations and strikes happen often in Paris and other French cities, that protests can disrupt transportation services and that, on rare occasions, protests have turned violent or caused property damage. Police may respond with water cannons and tear gas.

Other countries, including many across Europe, have issued similar advisories for France, encouraging their citizens to avoid large crowds and gatherings.

Are flights and trains affected?

In an update published on Friday, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in France said demonstrations and blockades can cause road delays, but confirmed that there are no planned strikes impacting air travel or rail service.

What this means for travellers

Travellers already in France or arriving in the coming days should keep track of developments across the country and get information directly from suppliers such as airlines and hotels. Several governments advise avoiding large crowds and gatherings, and travellers should be aware that protests can disrupt transport services.

Travel advisors have indicated that the current situation across France does not necessarily warrant cancelling a trip.

No timeline has been announced for lifting the curfews, and the guidance is expected to be reviewed as the situation develops.