Is it likely that there will be a resolution by Monday Nov 19 and normal services resume by Nov 20? We are stuck in Barcelona as none of the train to France are operational.

Arvind -

Even if there is a resolution on Monday it will take a few days for the system to get back to normal.

I would suggest looking at the SNCF website - www.voyages-sncf.com - there you can see if your particular train is running.

An alternate idea would be to consider flying. There is a low cost carrier (which I have flown) Vueling. They fly non-stop Barcelona to Paris

http://www.vueling.com/EN/

One way leaving today was about 83 Euros per person

Thanks Jona,
Just made the booking on Vueling from Barcelona to Rome. At Eur 135 for 2 adults + 1 child, it costs same as overnight train fare. I plan to be in Paris on Dec 1. Hope the stikes end by then.

Just a brief update.

The strike continues today with minimal rail service. However, you are able to get around the city. It is just taking patience.

Yesterday I spent the bulk of my travels by bus and walking. Metros were inefficient altogether from my arrondisment (16th). At times the bus was resembling a can of sardines, but typically everyone was attempting to get to similar areas in town- or where a Metro ligne was running such as the 1.

Today I have ridden a Velib, taken the Tramway and the #4 Metro. I will most likely take the bus this afternoon.

The trend with the strike is that the bulk of the service is happening between 7h00 and 11h00 - then things really slow down until about 15h30 or 16h00. By 21h00 there is minimal service again.

Suggestion for bus -

72 runs along Rue Rivoli from Chatelet to Porte de St. Cloud. This will take you along all the major areas such as the Louvre, Place de Concorde - But do get off at Pont Alma -near the Eiffel Tower etc.

Any updates on how bad the sabotage damage was? Any repair estimates given?

Regarding the sabotage - time tables have not been given however this is what France24 is reporting:

In the southeast region of France, a large fire set to electrical cables damaged 30 km of the signalling system.

In a statement, SNCF listed several acts of arson, including a "very large" blaze on the Atlantic branch that damaged a large section of the signal network.

The article here on BBC gives a map of the area to help you in your understanding.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7105045.stm

Paris did have a lovely weather day - about 55 with sunshine - perfect day for a walk by your favorite Metro station :o)

Hello Jona, I am now having second thoughts of visiting Paris on Dec 1. Geting into and out of Paris by train will be a headache. At the way talks are progressing it may be a few weeks before things get back to normal.
Regards,
Arvind