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It is often said that protests are one of France's most famous specialties, along with bread and wine. According to police figures, on average, there are over 2,000 protests of varying sizes each year demanding rights for individuals and organizations throughout France. These range from advocating for immigrant rights and condemning animal cruelty to advocating for women's rights and, most recently, protesting pension reforms, which are receiving significant international media attention.
However, don't let this situation prevent you from enjoying the beauty of the City of Lights. Let's explore some things to keep in mind when traveling to Paris during the protests.
A protest banner reads "I'm angry."
Find out information about the protest.
As a country that respects freedom of speech, France has laws on demonstrations that outline rights along with strict and rigorous conditions. In practice, all demonstrations in public places must be notified to the city authorities at least 3 days in advance (in Paris, notification must be given to the police department).
Information to be prepared in advance, including the date, time, and route of the protest, can be found in newspapers such as Lemonde, Leparisien, Sortiraparis, etc. Tourists should check this information to plan their itinerary accordingly. For example, if the protest goes to the Champs Elysées, you could change your itinerary to visiting the Latin Quarter on the Rive Gauche, the Louvre Museum, or a play in Montparnasse.
An example of a protest route on April 6, 2023, according to France3.
Avoid traveling in crowded areas at night.
Tourists are advised to avoid going out late at night. Imagine, protesters are tired and hungry after a long day; this could easily lead to tension and escalation with the police. This situation could result in conflict between police and protesters, leading to undesirable incidents. Tourists should always stay updated on the latest news from the reliable sources mentioned above to stay informed.
Keep some important contact information.
During the protest days, there may be some changes to public transport schedules, as well as the closure of some routes or museums. For more information on traveling or sightseeing in Paris during these days, you can contact the Paris city tourism office at +33(0)1 49 52 42 63 (only on protest days). Some emergency contact numbers in France include the first aid unit (SAMU) at 15, the police at 17, and the fire department at 18. You can also contact the Vietnamese Embassy in France at +33(0)1 44 14 64 44 (emergency number).
A protest banner read, "We cannot create a different world with indifference."
Don't view protests and marches as something inherently bad.
After living and working in France for some time, the author gradually came to appreciate this unique culture. The author also participated in the Paris Pride parade, where everyone happily sang and danced throughout the procession, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere.
In conclusion, participating in protests is a right of the French people, a way to express their voices and fight for the values they believe in. In fact, they are not alone in the protests; they are joining voices with other like-minded individuals. Together, the crowds create a peaceful atmosphere, demonstrating solidarity and the strength of the community.
