We'll be in Paris in March on a Saturday which has been the day for protests over the last couple of months. Can anyone who has been there recently give me some info on how to avoid any conflict or how to find out ahead of time where the protesters will be gathering? I'm hoping by March that the worst will be over, but I'd like to have some options. Thanks.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6451 posts
Sign up for the State Dept STEP program. Keep abreast of local news and be mindful of areas and metro stops you may want to avoid. In the extremely low chance that something significant happens that would impact your enjoyment of the city, have a few day trips in your "back pocket". Fountainbleu, Chartres, Rouen, etc. I have a friend that was in Paris when these protests started and were probably at the peak. He loves Paris, and just modified his plans as needed. The most important thing, according to him was being mindful of metro stops. He even said he wanted to check things out a bit so walked down the Champs de Elysees and couldn't get close enough to really see anything because of security.
Posted by
San Francisco
14976 posts
I would suggest Amiens and Meaux, Chateau Thierry also.
Posted by
Central Mexico
10 posts
We were in Paris just before Christmas. When we were there the protests were as you said on Saturday and the Champs Elysees was closed to traffic, police on either end in huge numbers with unbelievable equipment. There were hundreds and hundreds of yellow jackets. Many businesses boarded up. Banks and all ATMS are boarded up over the weekend. Is it safe, I would say yes! The yellow jackets are not interested in tourists. Mind you own business and you will be fine. Our hotel was 3 blocks from where all the protests were. We were eating a late lunch on our small street and 200-300 protesters marched passed the restaurant.. no problem! They were followed by big black police vans.
Hotels are experiencing lots of cancellations, restaurants are hurting so there are some deals!
Enjoy!
Posted by
Central Mexico
10 posts
Re the metro mention above, the police close metro stops they feel are necessary for public safety. Ask your hotel to check for you, it's available on the metro site.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14725 posts
I agree to ask at your hotel desk but also download the app from RATP, the Paris Metro agency. The info in the app is mostly in English but even with my poor French language skills I can figure the gist of things out. If you go to the 3-bar menu in the upper let there is a "Traffic Info & alerts" section. I don't usually have a data plan in Paris but I check the app out via the hotel wifi before I set out for the day.
Or are you just going to be there on a Saturday? Like just a day trip?