Australia issues travel alert for France, warns ‘exercise a high degree of caution’

French police have used teargas on crowds amid violent protests in Paris, as the Australian government updates its travel advice for the country. See warnings.

Tensions continue to flare in France where police have used tear gas on crowds after some demonstrators appeared to hurl fireworks at them in Paris.

Footage of the protests show some demonstrators and police clashing in the capital as it prepares for unrest in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial reforms to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 without a parliamentary vote. The move has sparked outrage across the country.

Police officers charge protesters during a rally against pension reforms in Paris, France. Picture: Getty Images

More than a million activists took their rage to the streets of France from Paris to Marseilles to protest the change.

A record number of 13,000 police officers have been deployed across the country, with the interior minister saying ahead of the protest he anticipated “a very serious risk to public order”.

A man adds a placard to a street fire in Paris, France, during the wild protests. Picture: Getty Images

SCARY WARNING FOR AUSSIES TRAVELLING TO FRANCE

The Australian government has issued a travel alert warning anyone planning a trip to France to “exercise a high degree of caution” following violent protests.

Violence erupted as officers clashed with masked groups, some of whom lit a fire at the historic City Hall in the South West city of Bordeaux.

France has experienced weeks of protests and strike actions related to a rise in the pension age, which was passed last week. Picture: Getty Images

There were at least 903 acts of arson in the capital alone, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said.

Looters targeted shops, ransacked branches of McDonald’s, smashed up bus shelters, demolished public seating and torched mounds of rubbish.

Police charge during a rally against pension reforms in Paris, France. Picture: Getty Images

Riot police used tear gas, batons, stun grenades and water canons to try to disperse the crowds chanting “revolution”.

The violent protests even forced the King and Queen Consort to postpone their state visit to France.

If you’re thinking of travelling to France, this is what you need to know.

A smoke bomb lands near police officers in Paris, France. Picture: Getty Images

CAN YOU TRAVEL TO FRANCE?

While the city of love has been filled with stinking trash and street fires, the Australian government doesn’t advise against travelling to the country.

However, tourists are warned to exercise a high degree of caution due to “the ongoing threat of terrorism”.

“Ongoing protests and strikes are occurring across France, including Paris. Recent protests and strikes have led to widespread disruptions to travel services (including road, train and air travel),” the government’s Smartraveller website says.

Protesters hold up a French flag during a rally in Paris, France. Picture: Getty Images

“Some recent demonstrations have led to destruction of private property, burning of garbage in the streets and unsafe use of fireworks. In some of these incidents, clashes with police occurred resulting in the use of tear gas and water cannon.

“Avoid all demonstrations and areas with significant police activity. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.”

Australians have been warned to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to France. Picture: Getty Images

WHAT CAN TRAVELLERS EXPECT?

Intrepid Travel‘s general manager of Western Europe, Florencia Allo Moreno, said Aussies wishing to travel to Paris should be “prepared for disruption”, as flights and public transport are being heavily affected by the current protests.

“Intrepid Travel currently has only one departure this month that goes through France, our Barcelona to Rome trip, which visits Carcassonne, Provence region and Nice,” she said.

“As the protests and strikes are only taking place in Paris, Intrepid customers are currently not affected, however, our entire operations team is dedicating extra attention to anything that could affect travel and transport through the region.

A man wearing a face mask depicting President Macron in Paris, France. Picture: Getty Images

“Given how quickly the situation can change, we recommend Aussies who are planning to travel across France or into Paris to plan ahead and stay updated with the local media. Travellers can then get an idea of what to expect and decide whether it’s best to defer travels.”

“Our advice for tourists to stay safe in Paris and France is to avoid, as much as possible, the areas where protests and demonstrations are taking place.

“We also advise travellers to stay on top of the news, and if you’ve booked with a tour operator or travel agency, always reach out to them with any questions or doubts pre-trip.”

Riot police clash with demonstrators in Paris. Picture: Getty Images

WHERE ARE THE MAIN TROUBLE SPOTS?

Paris and most major cities – including Lyon, Marseilles, Lille, Bordeaux and Rennes – have been hit by protests.

Unions are announcing countrywide strikes a few days in advance, with the next set for March 28, but in recent days, ad hoc demonstrations have erupted in city centres.

In more rural or smaller destinations, such as along the French Riviera, life goes on pretty much as usual.

WILL THERE BE DELAYS AT AIRPORTS?

Most long-haul flights have been unaffected, but there’s been some impact on short-haul European and domestic air traffic.

One recent nationwide strike led to reduced capacity at Orly Airport near Paris, but not Charles de Gaulle, which handles most international flights.

A protester holds a burning flare next to others with placards reading "In the kingdom of losers, Macron is a winner". Picture: AFP

ARE TRAINS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ROADS AFFECTED?

Trains and public transport are where visitors could most feel the effects of the strikes.

On strike days, which are currently occurring once or twice a week, the Paris Metro is unlikely to run and up to 25 per cent of the intercity high-speed trains are typically cancelled.

Cycling and walking remain the best ways to get around Paris, with gridlocked roads on strike days meaning even taxis are inadvisable.

So far, major highways between cities have been unaffected by the strikes and protests.

SHOULD YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP OR GO AHEAD?

Ms Allo Moreno said travellers should be aware that 20 per cent of flights in and out of Paris-Orly and Marseille-Provence airports have been cancelled due to an air traffic controllers strike, with predictions that the Paris metro might be affected.

“This month, Intrepid’s bookings into France were actually three per cent higher than the same time in 2019, prior to the pandemic,” she said.

“As our season is just starting, we haven’t seen a tendency on cancelling or postponing the trips. Most of our upcoming trips are quite full in terms of capacity, so for now we aren’t seeing a huge change regarding our customers’ travel plans.

“Most operators, like Intrepid, have a local presence throughout Europe, and can always offer updated advice on how the situation is developing in the country. Once the trip starts, we emphasise the importance of communicating with the Tour Leader of the trip and making sure travellers follow their advice on the ground.”

Originally published as Australia issues travel alert for France, warns ‘exercise a high degree of caution’