France: is it possible to travel in the face of strikes and protests? – 03/28/2023 – Tourism

Protests against pension reform have affected France’s tourist infrastructure. This week, acts against the law approved by President Emmanuel Macron on March 16 paralyzed transport and cleaning services, as well as museums such as the Louvre, and even the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

With the demonstrations, tourists are wondering whether or not to postpone their visit to the region, which, in 2022 alone, received around 44 million travelers.

Entities in the country’s hotel sector say that 20% of their reservations for the month of April were canceled amid tensions, although Atout France, the French agency for the development of tourism, reports that “the demonstrations had no impact on tourism For the country”.

Flights were also affected by the strike. According to the French Civil Aviation Authority, airlines must reduce the number of flights to and from Paris-Orly Airport between March 24-31. This measure may cause delays and last minute cancellations.

See below for recommendations on what to do to reschedule your trip, tips on how to deal with the protests and what you can see in Paris.

AND travel safe?

Yes, but some countries advise tourists to be careful. Australia, Canada and the United States, for example, have already issued “increased caution” warnings for travelers heading to France in the coming days.

According to the alert, which reached level two on a risk scale with four gradations, demonstrations against the French government could result in fires, interruption of public transport service and roads.

In Paris, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon and Rennes, the most populous cities, clashes with the police can occur, causing episodes of repression with water jets and tear gas. In rural regions of the interior, the forecast is that there will be greater tranquility.

How to deal with protests?

According to international guidelines, tourists should avoid areas where protests are taking place. Information about closed areas can be found on news sites or in local authority announcements.

If you find demonstrations in the streets, the traveler needs to remain calm. In addition, you should gradually try to get away from the crowd. If you are outside your hotel or accommodation, it is important to know the name of the place you are going and how to get back. To avoid concerns, notify friends and family of the location.

Transport apps that announce when trains, subways or buses are running should be checked before leaving. Many lines have stopped during the general strike. It is also worth remembering that, in Paris, garbage collectors participate in the protests, which has left piles of rubble in the streets.

Are tourist spots working?

Famous venues closed at certain times because of the strike. The Eiffel Tower, for example, was taken by demonstrators on Tuesday (28). It is not yet known how long it will remain closed.

On Monday (27), the Louvre —the famous museum that houses the “Mona Lisa”— closed its doors due to the adherence of its employees to the general strike against the pension reform. The museum had already delayed its opening schedule by one hour due to protests in the capital on Thursday (23).

The Palace of Versailles, which was one of the residences of the French royal family, the Republic Square and the Nation Square were also the scene of demonstrations in March.

What is possible to visit?

According to Sammya Cury, a Brazilian who works as a guide in Paris, the closure of streets or tourist sites has altered some of the itineraries she offers travelers. “But the city offers many options,” she says.

Instead of the Louvre, which closed on Monday, she says she took a group of tourists on a tour of Montmartre, a tourist area known as the painters’ quarter. The same happened with an itinerary at the Palace of Versailles: the guide preferred to take visitors to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres, one hundred kilometers from Paris.

“Tourists don’t have to cancel their trip because of protests or garbage in the capital,” she says. “Just avoid the streets and places where protests take place.”

Can my flight be cancelled?

The French Civil Aviation Authority has asked all airlines to reduce flights departing or arriving at Paris-Orly airport during the period from 24 to 31 March. Therefore, last minute delays and cancellations cannot be ruled out.

Air France’s operation in Brazil, with flights only to Charles de Gaulle airport, should not be affected. Already Latam and Iberia, airlines that make the stretch affected by the reduction of flights, may have cancellations.

What to do if the flight is cancelled?

Air France says customers affected by canceled flights will be notified. They can also choose to postpone their flight free of charge. According to the company, there is still the possibility of requesting a voucher or full refund of the ticket, which can be requested on the company’s website.

Those flying on Latam can request a full refund of the ticket if the request is made within 24 hours of purchase or if the ticket was purchased at least seven days before the flight. Other refunds or rescheduling depend on the type of ticket purchased, information that can be found by logging into the company’s website.