3 minWorld
U.S. Embassy Warns Americans to Avoid Violent Protests in France
The U.S. Embassy in France is advising Americans to steer clear of violent demonstrations after unrest across the country led to curfews, looting and the temporary closure of the Louvre. Protests have been reported in Paris, Lille, Lyon and other cities.
The U.S. Embassy in France is warning American travelers to avoid violent protests after unrest across the country prompted localized curfews, disrupted transportation and forced major tourist sites to close. The embassy said in a Monday statement that partial curfews had been introduced in several French cities, with additional restrictions possible.
The protests, which authorities say were fueled by grievances including rising living costs and mass migration, have been reported in cities including Paris, Lille and Lyon. The embassy said the unrest followed demonstrations on October 17 that turned violent, and that the Prime Minister's office introduced partial curfews for Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20 in several cities, including Lille.
In Paris, authorities imposed overnight curfews in areas including Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district. Riot police deployed tear gas near Place de la République to disperse crowds during street battles, and the gas mixed with heavy smoke from torched vehicles and street fires.
The chaos forced Dutch entrepreneur Tije De Boer, who was visiting Paris with his children, to evacuate his hotel at Place de la République. He described the scene as « like a war zone » following the intense protests that rocked the French capital on October 17.
Major tourist attractions have also been affected. The Louvre Museum in Paris was forced to close Monday after protesters blocked its entrances. Travelers are being advised to avoid popular protest gathering spots, including Place de la République, Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation, along with major thoroughfares such as Boulevard Voltaire that are frequently used for demonstrations.
Outside the capital, Lyon's tourism office at Place Bellecour was vandalized and set ablaze during the October 17 demonstrations, according to city officials. Visitor services have since been relocated to a temporary facility on the same square. In Limoges, the historic town hall was set ablaze during the unrest, and in Bordeaux the mayor reported that as many as 100 stores had been looted.
Despite the violence, flights to and from Paris have largely continued operating, according to flight data reviewed by Fox News Digital. However, travelers could still face disruptions on the ground. The embassy is advising Americans to check for Metro station closures and other transportation interruptions before heading out, confirm flight schedules directly with their airlines and allow extra time to reach their destinations.
« Monitor media and local resources for updated information and curfews in your area, » the embassy statement said. « Plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time for travel. » The embassy also said scattered protests could continue and that more curfews may follow for parts of Paris and in prefectures across the country.
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