France - 'Highest state of counter-terrorism alert'

We are in Paris right now and saw police/military presence most likely because of the scheduled strike which delayed the Louvre opening. Otherwise, it seemed like life as usual here.

https://apnews.com/article/france-school-stabbing-arras-878f42a5df4a873ca7bd80a173cc9097

If you have read the article you know that it was an Islamist fanatic who killed a teacher in a school in a town in the north of France, I don't see how a visitor to Paris or elsewhere could have any issues related to this event.

As always in these cases, the alert level has been raised. Which means a stronger police or military presence in certain places such as train stations and airports.

This is the world we live in and have made. Even an American should be aware that the world is unpredictable.

janettravels44, I'm well aware the world is unpredictable - this will be our fourteenth trip to Europe, and somewhere around our twentieth trip out of the country. But there are some risks I'm willing to take, and others I am not. Just trying to gather some information here to weigh risks.

Thanks to the rest of you for your replies.

I'm not in France right now but I would not hesitate to go to France tomorrow. In Paris I would probably not go to the big Institut du Monde Arabe. I would probably skip the Shoah Museum (which is excellent if you've never been.) and the Jewish History and art Museum. I'd expect extra armed guards in the tourist areas of the Marais where there are synagogues.

I'd have no problem going to any other museum, church or garden.

Although it can be jarring to see squads of Army guys with their guns at the ready even in the easiest of times, it is a comfort to know they are on watch.

The only restrictions I've seen are today due to the general strike (not related to the War in Israel) as mentioned above.

I also recommend you don't listen to family or friends who do not travel. In my view they are usually suspicious and frightened of anything.

Pam, that's particularly helpful. Thank you.

I should add that we're flying into Marseille's airport - going straight to Avignon for a few days - then spending a few days in Dijon - ending up in Paris, from whence we'll fly home. We're planning several day trips out of Avignon and Dijon. We had an unfortunate encounter with St. Denis in Paris on our 2014 trip, a product of not doing enough research about where we were going.

Camborne, fair point - I live in a southern city with an unfortunate reputation for crime - difference is, I know what I'm getting into around here. With our St. Denis adventure in 2014, I did not know. Trying to be prepared!

In the UK we are frequently raising and lowering our terror risk levels. To the ordinary person the terror level makes no real difference,
except maybe seeing armed police at ports, airports and railway stations.
I imagine it's the same in France. A few more police and maybe military at key locations. It's not going to impact a tourist.

It's a good thing to be prepared and informed, but are you going into your kitchen? Do you drive a car?

Not to mention mass shooting, I read that cooking accidents in the USA resulted in an average of 470 deaths and 4,150 civilian injuries per year.

As for deaths from car accidents, there are more than 35,000 per year.

And it never makes the headlines in the international press. If it did, every visitor to the USA would ask how to avoid kitchens, cars and roads. :))

I am in Paris right now. My experience so far is the same as Greg Fox's (stated above).

I was in France and Belgium in close time proximity of their terrorist attacks in 2015 and 2016 and in Italy when they have been on high alert. While it was disconcerting to see the heavy presence of police in prominent locations (a very rare sight in Canada), I never felt unsafe and our touring around was not hindered. Family cautioned us about going but we did not share their level of worry. If I had plans to go now, I would not cancel.

Go and enjoy your trip. Be alert to any announcements of planned demonstrations and stay away from those areas.

Demonstrations can occur anywhere and not just in Paris.

I head off to Germany in a couple of weeks. They've had some demonstrations in the past couple of days but it's not putting me off my trip.

Thank you for bringing your question and concern to the forum. I think any traveler who sails on without paying attention to world events is the one that I worry about. I hope you feel you have the information that you needed and can simply ignore those very few who chose to post answers that might be characterized as a little less than helpful.

Thanks, folks, particularly those who are in France at the present time. We've decided to plow ahead. My son-in-law is a Frenchman (well, he just became an American citizen, too) and he had some really good tips. If I can remember to do so - and if I have anything useful - I'll try to report from the road.

That town in Northern France is Arras, the school where the knife attack took place is ca. 20 mins walk from the train station. I came upon it by accident walking up to the centre-ville when I was in Arras in Sept., a city I had not been back to since 2010 (?).

Very ironic that this horrendous incident takes place in a city I am quite familiar with and know well as well the location of the site, ie, the school. The school is only a few minutes from the centre-ville.

If you want to know Nord Pas de Calais, start with Arras.

I’m doing a day trip to Paris tomorrow from Strasbourg, where I did see a small parade of people yesterday, shouting about Israel. To be honest, it took me a minute to understand what I was witnessing and those around me really didn’t acknowledge it.

I’m a rather cautious traveler and I feel comfortable being here. It’s funny, a friend asked me if I was afraid walking in the cities here at night and I answered honestly that I feel as safe here at night than I do going into town at home during the day.

Like a couple of others, I do live in France. Life continues but not without awarenesses. As I'm sure your son-in-law has said, terrorism is not new in Europe, Yesterday's knife attack at a school by a Chechen comes around the anniversary of the murder a few years ago of another teacher, Samuel Pety, who was murdered for teaching free speech.

Yesterday's murderer was known to police as an extremist, and he murdered a teacher at his own former school. This is when they raised the stage of alert. Whether it all makes sense to raise a stage of alert over one murder, or if a strong arm is necessary to avoid protests become riots, it's double -edge. It leaves those with the impression of doom whereas it increases safety due to the alert stage

That said, I'm going to Paris in a couple of days. I'm also going to Washington DC in a couple of weeks. Guess which one has me more concerned.

Thank you for bringing your question and concern to the forum. I think any traveler who sails on without paying attention to world events is the one that I worry about. I hope you feel you have the information that you needed and can simply ignore those very few who chose to post answers that might be characterized as a little less than helpful.

I'm not sure that making such a judgemental statement is either helpful or necessary. All responders have made their own holistic risk assessments and have equally valid views. Terrorist threats and incidents in much of Europe and the UK are pretty much a fact of life in various guises, and people deal with it differently. I have called police on several occasions in the UK when I have seen suspicious activity and quite routinely call people out for leaving baggage unattended- being quite rough with them sometimes.

Re: "Thank you for bringing your question and concern to the forum. I think any traveler who sails on without paying attention to world events is the one that I worry about. I hope you feel you have the information that you needed and can simply ignore those very few who chose to post answers that might be characterized as a little less than helpful."

I live in the US where I have a realistic chance of being gunned down in church, in school, at the mall, at a concert, walking down the street, or grocery shopping. Some Americans have been in massacre situations more than once. the recent school massacre in Nashville occurred about two blocks from the home I lived in for 25 years. When my son was in 7th grade a little girl was shot to death in his school when another student was fiddling with a gun he brought in his backpack and it 'went off.' My nephew was in school in a Chicago suburb where a woman came in and shot several kids killing one of his classmates.

Of course you always have an eye on the news e.g. I wouldn't be vacationing in Israel right now and I am glad I traveled to Russia several times in the past because not doing it now, but the fact is terrorist situations are possible anywhere in the world and very possible in the US so I am not worrying about visiting France. (the US state department site has been showing elevated risks for as long as I have looked at it)

The American question in travel forums is always 'Is it safe in . . .' which is ludicrous when it isn't safe in Little Rock, or Atlanta, or Americus Georgia or Newton, Connecticut.

when my colleague was worried about his son in Africa, his son said 'you are asking the wrong questions -- ask about the traffic -- most of the people who get killed here are killed by cars'. I personally know families that lost daughters in two separate car accidents in international travel.

If you think that Paris or Europe is dangerous because they upped the terror risk and the military/police are heavily armed, I assume you don’t live in the USA?

I agree with Janetravels. You’re a lot safer in Europe than you in the United States. As my grandmother used to say “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. “

I think the OP's main concern was that sights could be closed or traveling around would be restricted, not the physical danger of terrorists. While unpredictable, that's a legitimate concern.

My children just texted me in concern. Apparently they had to close the Louvre due to a threat. As of now, I’m still planning to go tomorrow, but I suppose I’ll have to keep an eye on the news until then.

Indeed, today they closed the Louvre due to a bomb threat. This afternoon there are rumors that Versailles is being evacuated.

The government is exercising extreme caution.

Kim, thank you for the update. Please post if you hear anything else.

I was in Versailles Gardens this afternoon and can confirm that it was evacuated too. Quite a bit of police and army presence at the pretty crammed train station since tons of people were attempting to leave Versailles.

Do you feel safe being there now? I’d hate to cancel my trip if it’s not necessary.

I mean, a bomb threat is quite different than an actual bomb or active shooting since almost every bomb threat does not materialize (meant to be more bark than bite), so I wouldn’t say that I felt unsafe. I think it’s just important to note that you should be prepared for these incidents to cancel / delay parts of your itinerary (for me, I wasn’t able to check out the entirety of the Gardens or the Trianons) and be able to make adjustments.

Do you think we’ll still be able to get close to the sites or might they fence them off? I don’t actually have tickets for anything. I’ve been looking forward to a day of just walking and looking at all the beautiful things since this will be my first trip to Paris.

Again, I truly appreciate the updates from those of you in Paris now and the OP for starting this post.

"Do you think we’ll still be able to get close to the sites or might they fence them off?"

Well, over the last few years they've done a lot to mitigate access, I assume by people driving vehicles intent on destruction. The Eiffel Tower Base is now surrounded by a secure glass wall. Only people who visited before the wall went up when you could walk underneath it really notice a difference.

In front of the Louvre they have had for many years those concrete barriers meant to stop vehicles which are used in lots of places. They've also got up fencing that I think is for crowd control. Here is a google street view from 2020 where you can see both the concrete barriers and if you zoom in you can see the fencing.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/MTYEZraS9ZDc5j2LA

When I found out yesterday by watching France 24 that this incident took place in a city (of all places in Northern France as it was reported on the radio) that I know well and on the premises of the school I had passed by numerous times walking around and exploring Arras, that was jarring, ironic, and downright sad.

In France you can bet that security is now being heightened with lots of Army guys patrolling along with the CRS on guard at the famous sites. Those Arras street scenes on France 24 showed numerous CRS personnel. It has been literally a month since coming back from France. Would I want to be there now? Yes, since I know what I am doing .

To answer if it is "safe" over "there" I have my own views but basically the answer is : it's relative. I recall (never forget it) a blunt conversation I had with a French woman, fluent in English, in 1984 in France in which she blurted out to me regarding traveling "what are you afraid of?" She's right.

Gare de Lyon was also evacuated today. Seems like this kind of thing happens in France whenever there's unrest in the Middle East.

If it were my vacation, I'd probably move on to another European capital where there's not so much risk of disruption, Madrid or Vienna are lovely this time of year. But everyone has a different tolerance of risk.

The two bomb threats and left package at Gare de Lyon turned out to be innocuous.

No chances taken even with crank calls.

Stations, airports, trains are always evacuated until the bomb squad detonates the left package or suitcase. So don't forget anything. It will be exploded.

"safe over there" seems to be the perennial travel question without reflecting on one's society back home.

Good point, Fred.

Live normally wherever you go. Certain people want you to be afraid, whether at home or abroad.

I can’t speak for the OP, but I feel safe right now in Strasbourg, however, I was hoping for helpful insight into the situation in Paris today specifically. I’ve never been to Paris and have no reference point other than from what I’ve read and seen on television and movies. I appreciate any helpful input anyone can offer.

@KRS. I'm not in Paris today but will be taking the train there in a couple of days. I am a former Paris resident but now live in the south of France and speak fluent French.

The heavy police and military presence is a preventative measure. The government wants to nip anything before it even begins. This is a very hot issue.

In economic terms, the adolescents rioting last summer cost the economy billions of euros. The government is putting a tight squeeze on that potential.

Known terrorism sympathizers are under heavy watch to lower the risk of another extremist with a knife.

I'm really sorry that I can't give you a 100% guarantee, but I couldn't do that anywhere in the world. I understand that this being your first trip to Paris, this situation makes this great city even more overwhelming. I can speak only for myself, I have no hesitation but I won't be visiting any Moslem or Jewish sites this visit.

And it never makes the headlines in the international press. If it
did, every visitor to the USA would ask how to avoid kitchens, cars
and roads. :))

Touché. As for the para-military presence being "disconcerting," I find it quite the opposite. In my mind, it is much less likely there will be a violent attack right in front of them. In this capacity, they are serving as a deterrence as much as anything else. I'm not a huge fan of the seeing a large U.S. police presence, but keep in mind that in the U.S., the military isn't charged with enforcing domestic laws. In many European countries, the line between police and military isn't as distinct.

Just a quick update and a thank you for the helpful and kind responses. 😊

There were definitely military personnel and/or police near the more touristy areas, and I saw several police cars/vans go flying down the road a few times, although that could have been for a wreck or anything as far as I know. It reassured me that there were several families with young children on the train to Paris and they didn’t seem at all concerned. At one point, several police surrounded a car and there was a man in handcuffs, but again, I have no idea why.

Having endured some tragedy in my life, I’m perhaps more cautious than some, and I felt safe and relaxed today.

And as a PS, the lady sitting next to me on the way back had her own version of bed bug spray. She appeared to be a Parisian, I think visiting relatives in Strasbourg, but otherwise, no one seemed concerned. It was kind of cute when she was trying to explain bed bugs to me. I think she had no idea I was already aware of the issue.

Quite frankly, I'm feeling less safe in the USA than in Europe. Most European countries that I've been to appear to have stellar security forces and the best intelligence networks. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and feel quite secure here, but traveling to other states which have open carry laws and a preponderance of disgruntled citizens makes me very anxious.

When travelling anywhere in Europe, I've found that it's not uncommon to encounter military or police armed with automatic weapons, including right under the Eiffel Tower. I've also seen that in numerous locations around Italy. They don't seem to be overly concerned with sightseeing tourists.

Following this on BFM Paris and as an educator and lover of France, it makes me sick. Elisabeth Borne just came on to say "The Republic will not fold".

I went to Paris the first time in 2021 during the Bataclan trials, with significant extreme heightened security and never felt unsafe, even with all the sirens (when those in the trial were brought back to their prison) and armed guards everywhere. I'd go tomorrow.

The American question in travel groups is ironically 'Is it safe . . .'

The British question is 'how much is a pint of lager in . . .'

janettravels44 wins post of the day.

We did a small group tour in Rome in April and there was a heavy police presence in some locations. Our guide told us that this particular presence was a show of force because a couple of days earlier someone had hung an ISIS flag on a government building. She said that the police takes these incidents seriously and break out the weaponry to demonstrate that Italy won't be intimidated.

I see that you have decided to go (which is what I would do.). : )

My suggestion is to ask your hotel front desk if there are any locations they would advise that you avoid, or you could just reword it as, “I’m thinking of going to see A, B, & C. Is that would you would suggest this week?”

Also, I always do this - wear your passport in your money belt. Whatever the situation, you have your ID to be able to get on a plane or move to a different hotel, if needed.

Have a wonderful time in France!

Hi there! In December 2018..during the Yellow jacket drama..I got up early to take a walk..about 6am. There was an extraordinary amount of police presence who would tell me which streets to use. Imagine my surprise whilst walking down Blvd. ST Germain to see 22 armored tanks rolling in full formation! I was not certain if I should return to my hotel..grab my partner..and head to the airport...or continue walking. I decided to find a policeman..who assured me it was just to deter any possible trouble...I have footage on my cell phone and still am in awe when I take a look. In spite of all the happenings..we had a great 7 days in Paris..the only thing closed for safety..were the Catacombs. I agree with all the above posters..military presence..whilst disconcerting..can be the norm at times..go enjoy Paris..wish I were there now!

Breaking news: multiple French airports evacuated today, terror bomb threats. Also mentions closing for a few hours yesterday at Versailles, second time in 4 days.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/airport-france-lille-paris-bomb-scare-b2431691.html

https://www.thelocal.fr/20231018/breaking-six-french-airports-evacuated-after-threats-of-attack

The OP is in France now, unless they cancelled at the last moment.

It would be interesting to hear how they are finding their trip.

isn31c, since you asked: We flew into Marseille’s airport, went straight to Avignon, and have taken a couple of day trips - one to Arles. I’ve noticed a police presence on trains and in train stations. Other than that, we’ve had no issues - seen nothing like riots, nothing has been closed due to security concerns. No bed bugs, either! So far, we’re glad we didn’t cancel.