Last updated October 22, 2026. The situation is changing daily. Curfews and station closures are renewed or lifted night by night, so always check the local prefecture and your transport operator before you go out.

Since mid-September 2026, France has seen its largest wave of protests in years. What started as a student movement over conditions in secondary schools has grown into nationwide demonstrations about the cost of living, joined by trade unions. Most marches have been peaceful, but some evenings have brought clashes, fires and looting in several cities, and local authorities have responded with curfews and temporary metro closures. This guide explains what is happening, where, and what it means if you live in France or are planning to visit.

What the protests are about

The movement began in late September with lycée (high school) students in the Paris region, before spreading across the country. Student unions cite staff shortages, overcrowded classes, run-down school buildings and stress linked to the Parcoursup university admissions platform. University students then joined, followed by teachers' unions and the main labour confederations, which broadened the demands to wages, purchasing power and public services.

On October 17, a national day of protest over the cost of living, also called by the yellow vest (gilets jaunes) movement, brought together students, unions and other groups. The Interior Ministry counted 550,000 participants nationwide, while organisers claimed 800,000. That evening, looting and vehicle fires were reported in Paris, Lyon, Limoges and other cities.

How the authorities have responded

The government, led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, has called for calm and condemned the violence. Prefects have banned gatherings outside some schools, and several cities introduced curfews after October 17. Thousands of people have been taken into custody since late September, many of them minors, and hundreds of police officers have been reported injured. Exact figures vary between sources and change from day to day.

The policing of the protests is itself debated. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have criticised what they describe as excessive force, citing serious injuries to young protesters, and the French police watchdog has opened inquiries into specific incidents. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has maintained that the response has been proportionate in almost all cases.

Curfews in place

As of October 21, 2026, travel media and local outlets reported the following measures. They are renewed nightly, so treat this list as a starting point, not a guarantee.

  • Paris: a curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. in zones around Place de la République and Les Halles, plus bans on unauthorised gatherings near government buildings, the Champs-Élysées and major stations in the evening.
  • Lyon: a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in designated areas.
  • Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille and nearby towns: curfews for unaccompanied minors in certain districts.

Rules and boundaries are published by each prefecture. If you are staying inside a curfew zone, keep your accommodation address and booking confirmation on your phone in case you are stopped.

Transport: what to expect

Paris airports Charles de Gaulle and Orly have remained open. The main disruption has been on city transport and roads:

  • About 25 Paris Metro and RER stations were closed during the October 17 demonstrations.
  • On the evening of October 21, the RATP closed Châtelet, Les Halles and République metro stations and Châtelet-Les Halles RER station from 10 p.m., at the request of the police prefecture.
  • Bus routes are often diverted around marches, and roads near demonstration routes can close at short notice.

If you have a flight or train to catch, leave more time than usual and avoid routes that pass through announced demonstration areas.

Dates to watch

  • Saturday, October 24: a new national day of demonstrations called by the yellow vest movement, focused on purchasing power and fuel prices. A Paris route from Place de la Bastille toward the Opéra district was reported, and Bordeaux warned of disruption around Place de la Bourse. No general transport strike was confirmed for that day.
  • Saturday, October 31: another mobilisation announced by the same movement, with local details to follow.
  • Thursday, November 5: a strike and demonstrations called by the CFDT, CGT, FO, Unsa and FSU unions over wages, jobs and public services. Union-led strike days often affect trains, schools and public services.

Student organisers have said the autumn school holidays may slow school blockades, but marches outside schools are expected to continue.

What governments advise travelers

No major government has advised against travel to France. The UK Foreign Office updated its advice on October 20 and recommends checking curfews and local security information. The US Embassy in Paris issued a security alert on October 19 advising travelers to avoid demonstrations, and the US advisory level for France is unchanged. Australia's Smartraveller advises a high degree of caution and says to avoid all demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.

Practical safety tips

  • Check the news and your local prefecture's website each morning, especially on Saturdays, when most demonstrations take place.
  • Stay away from marches and gatherings, even peaceful ones. Situations can change quickly, and police may use tear gas.
  • If you see a crowd forming, move away calmly toward a side street and away from police lines.
  • Keep your phone charged and carry a copy of your passport.
  • Respect curfews and police instructions. Being in a restricted zone without reason can lead to a fine.
  • Save the French emergency numbers: 112 (all emergencies), 17 (police), 15 (medical) and 18 (fire brigade).

For a full checklist, read our guide on how to stay safe near a protest or riot abroad, and see the wider picture in protests across Europe in autumn 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to travel to France right now?

Most of France is functioning normally, and no major government advises against travel. The risks are concentrated around demonstrations, mainly in large cities, and some evenings. Avoid protest areas, follow curfews and check local news daily.

Is there a curfew in Paris?

As of October 21, 2026, a night-time curfew applied in zones around Place de la République and Les Halles. Measures are renewed nightly by the police prefecture, so check before you go out.

Are Paris airports affected?

Charles de Gaulle and Orly have remained open. Delays are more likely on the way to the airport, so allow extra time.

Sources

This article is general safety information compiled from public sources. It does not take a position on the demands of the protesters or the actions of the authorities. Always follow the instructions of local authorities.