Just when I thought our worries were over about stalled rails in Paris it looks the those spoiled Parisians are going to strike again.
My family and I are flying into Paris on Tuesday (12/11) and the strike is supposed to start that night and for the next 36 hours. So it looks like our sightseeing plans will be very much curtailed yet again.
Hello from Paris -
This strike is yet to be confirmed by the Unions. The official statement is that the strike could be rescinded should there be new proposals by the government. One must remember that there are some 45 unions that are involved - and 42 had agreed to terms in November. Thus, this strike could only be 3 unions which could mean on minimal rail service impact.
This is no way is expected to be as extensive as the strike last month. More information should be available Monday (if not today).
Typically the strike begins at 20h00 (8pm) the night before the full day strike. This will most likely be like the strike in October - thus only a single day impact.
I will certainly post when more information becomes available here.
Thanks for the info. That allays my fears quite a bit. Not as stressed out now. Just have to see how it goes I guess.
Lennon -
For your first day - you should be able to still get around easily by walking. You will be amazed at how many places you can get to on foot in Paris.
Even if there is a strike, just plan for the cool weather - walk, stop at a shop or cafe (there are many benches about town) then worst case take a taxis home at the end of a long day.
My husband and I were in Paris during the strike in November (the strike ended the day that we left to go home!). We still were able to use the metro and did not have too many problems. The key is to be patient and take your time. We still had a great time, even with the strike. Happy Travels!
I see Air France is adding to the fun by calling a pre-Christmas stike at Orly:
Strike
I was in Paris in November during the strike as well. Unfortunately for me, my hotel was located near Gare du Nord so it was a bit difficult getting around. Walking around Paris is manageable, but it was freezing so I spent more money than usual on cabs.
Patience is key! A train will always come, but you never know when...and when it does eventually come it will most likely be full of people packed in like sardines.
Hopefully it won't be as bad this time around. Good luck and have a wonderful vacation!
