Strike in France September 18-19

I would rate the chances of high.

Although there are no guarantees, I would favor flights to, say Marignane (MRS) over flights to Paris or Lyon, followed by train travel south. Trains probably would be more likely to be interrupted than flights.

I have friends from the U.S. coming during this period and have been monitoring news media. 10 September got off to a shaky start but seems to be firming up. 18 September is the unions' chance to weigh in.

See the recent post and many replies on this site "Impact of nationwide shutdown.....". Lots of discussions there.

No, you aren't overreacting. You guests need to arrive before the evening of the 17th or on the 19th if they want to be sure about their transportation.

Thank you all for your insights!

Following changes in the French government and the absence of a transport minister, the SNCTA, the majority union representing air traffic controllers, announced the suspension of its strike notice scheduled for September 18.

The strike notice has been postponed to October 7, 8, and 9, pending negotiations with a new minister.

Thanks for the update JoLui!

Thank you so much for this vital information JoLui!

Just to clarify, this postponement is only planned by 1 of the 3 main air traffic controller unions.

So far, the Air France unions are still calling to strike on the 18th.

I've experienced strikes in France. They can be memorable. The biggest thing is a higher level of inconvenience traveling, sometimes much higher, unless you're lucky. There are still trains, planes, etc. moving - just fewer of them. Everyone gets where they are going but many don't do it on their planned schedule. I don't think you're overreacting since you are counting on people being there as planned. Without trying to alarm you, is there any room for flexibility for the wedding? Most people in France are pretty understanding about strikes. Can the wedding be later the same day, or the next day, if worse comes to worse? Even that flexibility might save massive stress, even if you don't end up needing it.

We’re arriving in Paris early afternoon of the 17th and staying till the 24th at a hotel right by Shatelet Des Halles transportation center, and thinking about canceling given the protest by there. We would be ok with one day being effected, but wonder if any insights about the likelihood of significant protest carrying over from Thursday the 18th through the weekend 19-21.

Much appreciate any insights you might have. Thanks so Much!

Demonstrations and strikes are only on the 18th.

By the morning of the 19th, it will be over; the strikers will have returned to work, and the demonstrators who aren't working will have other things to do than staying in the streets.

It's always been like this, except in May 1968.