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Visit Paris in September?

My wife and I are considering a trip to Paris in September, but we’re wondering if it is wise to go there while there seems to be so much unrest because of the raising of the retirement age there. I’ve been told that it is not unusual for people to protest in Paris, but in April there was news coverage regarding violence and the closing of the airport and some popular tourist spots for a few days. A trip to Paris would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us, so we’re wondering if we should go in September when the retirement age increase goes into effect? We’re thinking that if wait until next Spring, there will likely be construction for the Olympics so that might not be a good to time go either. We’re interested in hearing the thoughts of more-experienced travelers.

Posted by
6773 posts

There has been no "unrest" in Paris to speak of. Only some property damage and riot police clashes along the route of protests. Such routes are known in advance and easy to avoid: probability of being at the wrong place, at the wrong time is close to zero.
The airport was never closed. Only some air traffic controller strikes led to 20-30% flight cancellations on strike days, affecting domestic and European flights.
As for closed museums...yes, there were some closure on strike days. Strike days are typically Tuesdays and Thursdays, so if you want to reduce risk there (it's a very low risk to start this), book major tickets (Louvre, Versailles, Eiffel) outside of Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Bottom line: there is no strike-related reason not to go to Paris this September.
Disclaimer: I do live in Paris but have no vested interest whatsoever in the tourist business.

One thing to be aware of: September is the busiest time of the year in Paris so if you want to go, you should look into accommodation asap!

Posted by
13800 posts

I was there for 10 nights in April - 14 thru 24. There were no closures during that time, no garbage in the streets, no impact on my trip whatsoever. I was not there on May 1 when there were the last protests but any “action” was far from where I usually stay and in fact far from where most on this forum stay.

I would go in September. I would not hesitate. Any museum closures were for one day only, either because the staff could not get to work or other reasons.

Whatever you do, do not make a decision based on US TV news coverage. Also don’t allow yourself to be swayed by friends or relatives who have not traveled to Paris since Covid or in fact ever.

Go. Enjoy. If you are worried, consider taking Rick’s Best of Paris tour.

By the way, I am glad you asked on the forum because you’ll get honest answers. For context I’m an over 70 solo female traveler who is a dunce at language and speaks no French other than polite phrases.

Posted by
806 posts

I was there 16 Apr-23 Apr, limited issues - I think that Th/Friday there were some RER interruptions per my sncf app but that was, quite literally, it. No garbage, nothing.

Posted by
7977 posts

We are just completing a month in Paris -- so far our only awareness except in the papers of the manifestations has been some occasional disruption on the metro (there are many reasons for metro disruptions -- the most common is someone left a bag and so it closes until the bomb squad checks it out -- or someone fell on the tracks -- right now, add demonstraitons)

Demonstrations are not a safety issue. I don't know where you are from, but if you are from the US, it is safer than going to school, your local mall, work, or church in your own city.

Posted by
199 posts

Interesting that France is among the countries advising their citizens to avoid certain US areas and the US cautions its citizens about unrest in France. Unfortunately, even avoiding areas deemed dangerous in the US is insufficient these days to protect oneself.

Posted by
2 posts

"Thank you" to everyone that responded! Based on the feedback that we received, we're going ahead with our plans for September and have decided that we'll just need to be flexible and enjoy our time in Paris.

Posted by
4756 posts

Don't disregard the warning by a PP about how busy Paris is in September. Fashion week occurs then, and hotel rooms may already be in short supply. And expensive.

Posted by
868 posts

My husband and I are going to Paris in September. I started searching for apartments/hotels months ago and managed to snag an apartment for the first part of our trip (5th-14th) and second part (17th-19th). Lyon is in between. There was not much to choose from even then and rates are UP. This is true in Lyon, as well. Good luck to you!
Btw, my husband and I march in the US for certain causes--Women's March and the March for Science. The only "violence" we've witnessed was the display of a certain finger in front of the Trump Tower in NYC.
Just stay away from protests if you're concerned. No airports were closed because of protests against the raising of the retirement age. Make sure you're using reliable sources.