This is a breaking news story with information up to date as of 22nd October 2026.
If there is one thing that the French know how to do, it is fight for their rights. It’s not for the goodness of politicians' hearts that university fees in France are still €178 for a bachelor's degree – compared with tuition fees of up to £9,790 a year in England for a standard course – but thanks to a population that refuses to back down when their rights are being threatened.
Since September, French high-school students have been fighting for better conditions, especially in suburban areas often forgotten by institutions. The movement has reached almost unprecedented proportions, with other sectors joining the students, demanding better learning conditions, fighting against the cost-of-living crisis, the hike in fuel prices and the erosion of social welfare.
Protesters march through central Paris amid fires
Getty ImagesThe unrest has continued into the week, prompting the French government to introduce further security measures. On Monday 19 October, the Préfecture de Police imposed an overnight curfew in parts of central Paris, including areas around Place de la République and Les Halles, from 11pm until 6am the following morning and ban on demonstrations in certain areas of the capital. Since then, the restrictions have since been extended. Today, 22 October, the Préfecture de Police also banned unauthorised demonstrations and gatherings between 8am and 8pm in several parts of central Paris, including areas around the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Élysée Palace, Bastille, République and major railway stations. The restrictions apply to demonstrations and gatherings rather than tourists visiting these areas.
Meanwhile, high school students have called for further days of action on 22 and 24 October, as well as 3 and 5 November, raising the possibility of further disruption in the coming weeks.
The government is also stepping up its response to the violence. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu held talks with trade union representatives on Wednesday 21 October, although the discussions ended without an announced breakthrough. Financial assistance is being prepared for businesses affected by the unrest, alongside funding to repair damaged public facilities. An inquiry has also been launched into the handling of the demonstrations and the police response, as questions continue to be raised about the security arrangements during Saturday's protests.
Following the weekend's violence, localised curfews have also been introduced in several other French cities, including Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille and Nice. In Lyon, restrictions covering part of the central Presqu'île district, from the Hôtel de Ville to Place Carnot, were imposed between 9pm and 6am on Monday night and subsequently renewed for Wednesday night. Similar measures have been introduced in other parts of France, with some curfews applying to everyone within designated areas and others targeting unaccompanied minors.
On Thursday 22 October, several Metro stations were closed from 10am at the request of the Préfecture de Police, including Bastille, Saint-Paul, Place d'Italie, Campo Formio, Saint-Marcel, Quai de la Rapée, Gare d'Austerlitz, Bréguet-Sabin and Chemin Vert. Services on Metro Line 10 were also interrupted between Gare d'Austerlitz and Jussieu. These closures follow restrictions earlier in the week at major transport interchanges, including République and Châtelet–Les Halles, where trains were unable to stop. Travellers should check the latest RATP updates before setting off, as further closures may be introduced at short notice.
With further demonstrations planned for Saturday 24 October, the French government is preparing a substantial security operation, including armoured vehicles, specialist police and gendarmerie units, and military personnel from Operation Sentinelle. Further restrictions on demonstrations are also expected in some cities.
I have seen many protests during my years in France, but nothing like what’s unfolding right now. It’s important, however, to distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and those involved in vandalism, violence or looting. Although not always of this magnitude, violence and looting have also marred some previous large-scale gatherings in France, whether it’s France winning a football match or students fighting for their rights.
What is happening in other parts of France?
Paris is far from the only French city to have been affected by the recent unrest. On Saturday 17 October, demonstrations took place across the country, with an estimated 550,000 people taking to the streets according to the French authorities, although organisers put the figure at 800,000. While many of the marches remained peaceful, violence, vandalism and looting broke out in several major cities, including Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lille.
In Lyon, more than 20,000 people gathered for demonstrations that descended into violent clashes with police. One of the most shocking incidents took place at Place Bellecour, where a branch of the city's tourist office was vandalised and set on fire after a group of people forced their way inside. Dozens of shops across the Presqu'île, Lyon's central peninsula, were also damaged and looted. In Limoges, in south-western France, the historic Hôtel de Ville was devastated by a fire during the unrest. The 19th-century building, parts of which are protected as historic monuments, suffered extensive damage to its roof structure and central gable, with local authorities warning that it had not yet been saved.
Elsewhere, protesters forced their way into Marseille's town hall, damaging the interior, while similar incidents were reported at municipal buildings in Lille and Angers. Shops were also targeted in several other cities. The violence has raised concerns within France's tourism industry, particularly as the country enters the Toussaint school holidays. According to Le Monde, some hotels have already reported cancellations and early departures, although the overall impact on bookings remains limited for now.
Should you still travel to Paris?
Does that mean Paris – and France as a whole – is now a no-go zone? No, it doesn’t. Certain streets and neighbourhoods may be affected by demonstrations, police operations or temporary closures, but the disruption is not necessarily city-wide.
You can still come to Paris during this time and enjoy yourself, provided you keep informed and keep your wits about you when navigating the city. You might have to change some of your plans, but the good thing about Paris is that you can be here for decades, like me, and still discover new beautiful corners.
France protests: Here is what to do if you are travelling to Paris
Choose your neighbourhood wisely
When visiting a city, we all tend to want to stay as central as possible, but this is not a good idea when protests are happening. "Travellers should also think beyond their immediate surroundings: if a primary transportation route becomes inaccessible, do they know how to reach their accommodations or contact someone for assistance? Maintaining situational awareness and having a contingency plan can make a meaningful difference when circumstances change unexpectedly," says John Gobbels, CEO of air medical transport & security response membership program, Medjet.
Avoid booking a hotel close to main squares or places of particular significance such as République, Bastille, Nation and Place de Clichy. Paris is not big and quite easy to navigate from wherever you are – at this time, choose to stay in quieter, residential areas. I suggest residential areas on the Rive Gauche like the 15th and 14th, or the 13th arrondissements. I particularly like the 15th as it has a lot of cute boutique hotels, and it’s close to some lovely places to visit like the Musée Bourdelle.
Stay informed
Although authorised peaceful demonstrations are planned in advance, looters do not give a heads up before they take to the streets, so make sure you keep an eye on French news. "Once in the country, travellers should check local news, government, travel advisories and transport updates before heading out, particularly when demonstrations are expected near major attractions or transport hubs. Keep your phone charged, save emergency contacts offline, and be prepared to adjust your itinerary as conditions warrant. If you encounter a demonstration, avoid the crowd, move away calmly and follow local authorities’ instruction," suggests Gobbels.
For metro closures and issues with public transport, check the Bonjour RATP website, while the Préfecture de Police also publishes information about demonstrations, traffic restrictions and security measures – it’s worth following them on X for immediate information. When it comes to news outlets, Franceinfo and Le Monde are reliable French news outlets, so it’s good to keep an eye on their websites. Although outlets such as Le Monde publish in English, their French-language coverage may offer more frequent local updates.
Keep your itinerary flexible
I know it’s sad not to be able to stick to your plans, but for your safety it is better to avoid certain areas and attractions while protests are unfolding. Big institutions like the Louvre – which was blocked by students on Monday 19 October – and the Élysée Palace are better avoided; instead, visit some of the city's niche sights and smaller museums. Instead of the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay, you could visit the beautiful Musée Gustave Moreau in the 9th or the Musée Zadkine in the 6th, depending on where you are staying. Big touristy spots like the Eiffel Tower are open and busy – if you don’t feel comfortable but still want a picture with the Eiffel Tower in the background, head to Île aux Cygnes to see the tiny Statue of Liberty and the Tower in all her glory, but from a safe distance.