Paris riots, concerned about May 2019 plans.

You have the cart way in front of the horse.

There are really no riots in Paris. There have been, and will probably continue to be, demonstrations which is the constitutional right of every French citizen. These demonstrations have been very confined to specific areas and no tourist has been injured in Paris as a result of demonstrations.

I would characterize rue Cler as somewhat remote and certainly off the radar of any effort by demonstrators to draw attention to their cause.

Museums remain open, but your question concerns conjecture about events 5 months into the future. No one knows but overall, the news reports are much ado about little.

I heartily agree with Tocard.

I just returned from 2 weeks in Paris traveling as a solo female. I never felt restricted or unsafe anywhere in Paris despite demonstrations taking place. I would leave my hotel around 9:30 every morning and many nights returned well after 10:30 p.m. I would not hesitate at all to visit this lovely city.

I would agree with Tocard. May is too far away to really know what random things might happen and that would be true to most other destination, as well. I always sign up for the State department's safe travel program mostly because they will send alerts when need be that help in planning the day. If things turn out to be "active", I'd just talk to the hotel staff in the am or pay attention to news so you know which areas might be trickier. I also agree with Tocard that Rue Cler is not very central to many of the sites, especially the art museums. There are other areas that have street markets if you are into those as I am. In terms of transportation, I find the metros to be the most convenient. I've never used a taxi in the city. There is a public bus route (maybe its 69??) that drives all around the scenic areas. Very rarely, the art museums close. I believe during the last demonstrations, the Louvre might have been closed for a day. The museums were also closed due to the flooding a few years back. If you are concerned, I'd find some day trip options to have in your "back pocket". (Versailles, Tours, Chantilly, Fountainbleu, Chartres, Giverny, Rouen)

Protests are not always "riots".. we are going in early June and I am not the least bit concerned..

I'm not worried about the demonstrations when I head there in May/June. Its working around any airline, pilot, traffic controller, or train strikes that seem to pop up during my visits. But, its Paris & it calls to me.

I am relieved to read everyone’s responses. Well meaning friends who have seen the US sensational news have been asking us if we are concerned. Now I’ll just say no.
The advice about the state department warnings, I will take, makes good sense.
Thanks all!

I would look at the state department's warnings, but not worry about them.

For as long as I can remember the UK home office has had travel advisories out about the US that would make no sane person wish to go there. It has never stopped people :)

I'll just add a comment that has no relation to your question but relates to museum visits, lol.

If you are staying in the Rue Cler area, there is a Tabac (tobacco shop) on Avenue Motte-Picquette at the end of Rue Cler. This is a VERY easy place to purchase your Paris Museum Pass and if you are planning on getting a Navigo Decouverte Metro Pass you can get it there as well.

https://goo.gl/maps/L6iEPZWYPF42

Have an excellent time!

I will be there in May also. I am concerned about my French and finding good coffee and pastries.
We were in Greece 2 years ago after unrest there in Athens and Spain last year after their protests. I think the press really blows these things out of proportion
So please help me find the best French pastries!

We had the train strike to contend with last year and we just stayed flexible. Ended up with an awesome new plan. We stayed in the Rue Cler as well last June and it was great. Enjoy

Hello Anncrowlmeyer,

As you say "US sensational news" ;) !