Visiting Paris During Protests

The French have never lost their revolutionary spirit. Whether to protest political policies or to support social reforms, les Français love making their voices heard. Marches and manifestations are common in Paris, and while locals are quite accustomed to it, for tourists, it can initially be a little intimidating.

When I first moved to France, the idea of thousands of Parisians marching in the streets made me nervous, but over the years, I’ve found that these protests are generally peaceful.

There’s often a convivial atmosphere among participants and sometimes a deep sense of solidarity.

The Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Jackets) protests in 2018-2019 made international headlines, partly for the size and persistence of the movement, but also for the unfortunate violence and vandalism that has occurred alongside the demonstrations. In 2023, the massive strikes against the proposed retirement reforms made the news.

And now, in Fall 2025, the Bloquons Tout movement seek to “block everything” across the country in opposition to austerity measures proposed by the French government, with massive nationwide strikes announced for September 18.

To help you enjoy your trip to Paris regardless of whether people are taking to the streets, here’s a bit of expat insight along with some local tips on how to enjoy the day despite les grèves.

Areas To Avoid in Paris During Strikes & Protests

Marches and protests in Paris generally follow the same routes, and mostly on the Right Bank. In the rest of the city, it’s often life as usual. Although don’t be expecting a totally ordinary day even if you’re living the Left Bank life in Paris on September 18, 2025.

Bastille – Place de la République – Place de la Nation

Most of the more typical demonstrations (there can be quite a lot of them throughout the year) go between Bastille, Place de la Nation, and Place de la République. Marches for the Environment, labor union strikes, and all other sorts of events pass through here, so be aware that crowds will flock to these spots on protest days and metro stations (in particular, those around Bastille and République) might be closed.

Avenue des Champs Elysées

Although it isn’t usually protestors’ favorite spot, Paris’s most luxurious avenue, Les Champs Elysées, can get a bit intense during big social movements. Especially when the economy is the main motivating factor behind the manifestations.

Luckily, there are plenty of things to do and see all around Paris!

Transportation Strikes

Transportation strikes can cause big headaches for tourists as they often affect the RER line between the Paris and its Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Whenever this happens, replacement buses are generally provided, but speaking from experience, it can add an extra hour or more to your trip.

If you arrive on a strike day, a taxi or Uber might be your best bet for traveling into town without too much trouble.

See our guides to getting around Paris to help you come up with a plan.

Strikes are typically announced weeks ahead of time, so be sure to check before arriving or leaving. Information concerning public transportation can be found on the RATP’s Official Website and more general information on the Paris Visitors Bureau Website.