Is it safe to travel to Paris right now amid France protests?
With images of looting at designer shops, fires, and police using tear gas and water cannons, it’s no wonder travellers planning to head to Paris and other parts of France are worried
But the Australian governments travel advice arm, Smartraveller has not raised warning levels.
People look at burned-out cars in central Paris after a quiet night on Monday under a curfew. Christophe Ena
That indicates there is no official reason not to travel to Paris or other parts of France.
What is the travel advice for France and Paris?
France remains at level two, ‘exercise a high degree of caution’, the same as the UK and Indonesia, including Bali.
However, Smartraveller has advised travellers to take “additional care”.
“We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in France,” Smartraveller said in an update issued on Tuesday.
“Large-scale protests and demonstrations occurred across France on 17 October and may continue.
“Authorities may impose public safety measures, including partial and localised curfews, in some locations.
France remains at level two, ‘exercise a high degree of caution’, the same as the UK and Indonesia, including Bali. Smartraveller
“Follow the advice of authorities, stay informed and avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.”
French officials have blamed the violence on far-left groups and opportunistic looters.
At least 2400 people were arrested after rioters in cities across France last Saturday clashed with police, set cars on fire and stormed public buildings, during nationwide protests against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools.
A fire destroys the city hall in Limoges, central France. Pascal Lachenaud/AFP/Getty Images via CNN
Smartraveller added that France uses a three-level alert system for responding to threats to security and public safety.
“The current level is ‘vigilance renforcée’ (enhanced vigilance),” it said.
Student unions and groups from the “yellow vest” movement, whose protests over fuel prices shook France in 2018 and 2019, have called for another day of protests on Saturday.
French troops will be deployed to reinforce police as part of a “massive” security operation before more protests at the weekend, officials said.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s biggest attractions. Adobe Stock
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu told France’s National Assembly the government was planning a major security operation to keep the peace.
“The deployment (of police forces) for next Saturday will be massive,” he said.
What is the Paris curfew?
Paris police said a curfew in two designated zones – around Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district – had restored “public peace” on Monday night and would remain in place “for as long as necessary”.
The curfew prohibits anyone from entering both areas between 11pm and 6am.
A police officer wearing riot gear stands in front of a burning barricade during a demonstration near Place de la République. Getty Images
It doesn’t affect other parts of the city.
In Lyon, one of France’s largest cities, authorities also renewed a curfew in the city centre from 9pm to 6am, saying no disturbances had been recorded.
Marseille, France’s second-largest city, imposed a curfew for unaccompanied minors starting on Tuesday night.
Nice also has a curfew from 9pm to 6m but only for young people.
General strikes and protests are also planned for France including Paris on Thursday 5 November, with information on official site.
“Disruptions are possible in transportation, education, government offices, hospitals, airport services, and traffic,” it warns.
Youths break a store window during clashes between protesters and police in Paris. Emma Da Silva
Where to stay in Paris and where to avoid?
There are areas to avoid which are usually where protests are held.
Around Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district are the main sites to avoid.
Other places protests are held include Bastille, Nation and Place de Clichy.
Better places to stay would include the 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th Arrondissements.
- with The Associated Press
