Unrest in France, sparked by protests against high living costs, has escalated into looting and arson, leaving travelers uneasy about visiting the country. Incidents of hotel evacuations near protest sites and a nationwide strike planned for early next month have heightened tensions.
According to the French Interior Ministry, approximately 550,000 people (including 110,000 in Paris) participated in protests across 110 locations on October 17. Over the weekend, 2,397 individuals were arrested, and 997 police and gendarmes were injured.
The protests turned violent in several areas. In Lyon, a tourist information center was looted and subsequently set on fire, while in Marseille, demonstrators stormed the city hall. In Paris, luxury stores on Rue Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, popular with tourists, were also targeted.
The unrest has spread to areas where tourists are staying. Dutch businessman Thijs Deburgh, visiting Paris with his children, evacuated from a hotel near Place de la République, stating, "It feels like a war zone here." French hotel industry publication La Tribune de l'Hôtellerie reported that a masked group gathered at the entrance of a Paris hotel, increasing anxiety among guests.
On the day of the protests, the Paris Transport Authority (RATP) closed 25 metro stations, including those near major tourist attractions like the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre Museum, and the Palais Garnier, at the request of police. Eight metro stations were also closed during student protests on October 13.
The city of Paris has begun cleanup efforts. From the night of the protests on October 17 until the following morning, around 1,000 cleaning personnel were deployed to clear debris from the streets.
The Louvre Museum lifted its access restrictions that were in place due to the protests. Initially, the museum announced on its website that entry would be limited to ticket holders using specific entrances, but by October 19, it only required advance reservations for all visitors until November 1.
However, tensions in central Paris remain high. On October 18, clashes erupted again between police and protesters at Place de la République, with police deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd. French broadcaster CNews reported that looting continued in Paris that night.
Concerns about travel to France persist domestically, especially with a major strike planned for early next month. Major French labor unions have announced a nationwide strike and demonstrations for November 5, demanding wage increases and opposing cuts to public service budgets. Four French railway unions are also expected to join the strike, raising the possibility of disruptions to train services.
Major travel agencies in the country are maintaining existing schedules while monitoring the situation. A representative from Modetour stated on October 19, "The most important thing is the safety of our customers. We are continuously checking the protest situation and transportation conditions through local guides and partners," adding that they plan to adjust travel routes and schedules as necessary based on the situation on the ground.
A representative from Hana Tour also noted, "We are closely monitoring the local situation and plan to respond flexibly to any changes that arise."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.