Would you go to Paris on Monday?

[cobicat]

Just canceled a work trip to Paris due to concerns about the volatile situation there. I realize that central Paris is mostly unaffected (so far) but it seems like a bad time to visit. My boss (Paris based) has implied that I am being overly dramatic.

Would you go?

Where did you see this @Keepitonthelow ?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66073996

I wouldn't go.

I assume you speak French, and will be going from hotel to office and back again (or Eurostar to office and back again if it’s not an overnight trip).

I’d go. I wouldn’t refuse to come into work in the West End because there was a riot in Stratford, this is similar.

It depends where you're staying and where your work is. A lot of international companies have their headquarters on the edge of Nanterre.

Paris is a lot smaller than London, so calling Nanterre a suburb and comparing it with Croydon is misleading. I walked there from the Arc de Triomphe the last time I was in Paris.

No I wouldn't, not with the travel advice now being not to travel unless essential. I would perhaps in a week or so, but not on Monday.

Shops on the Rue de Rivoli and in Les Halles have been looted. Public transport across the whole city is shutting down in the evening time.

@WaitingfortheTardis where have you seen this?
This is the current FCO advice for France https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france

Its been all over the place today, including on BBC.

If you're referring to the BBC article above, show me where it warns against all but essential travel?

It doesn't, it says - avoid the riots, make sure you've got travel insurance, and be aware depending on where you're going you might face travel disruption. All very sensible advice.

@Harshbutfair That's how I read and understand it, if you interpret it differently then fair enough.

It advises you to avoid the riots @Harshbutfair , no shit sherlock
Do people really need to be told that ? Ditto insurance & disruptions
You couldn't make it up...

That's not the travel advice

I'd go.

France travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This is the best place to get travel advice and to understand it.

You can literally read it here, in the summary section at the top:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france

Just read a news item about a family right in the city centre who got caught up in it so no I wouldn’t. Have been to Paris during things like this before and it’s grim, but this one seems extra volatile.

I'm reading live updates here https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/en-direct-emeutes-apres-la-mort-de-nahel-une-nuit-plus-calme-mais-les-violences-persistent-avec-471-interpellations-20230701

Not in Paris - but they are reporting that rioters have burned down the library in Metz, destroying priceless ancient manuscripts. Awful

I'm not debating it, my reading of that is to avoid it unless essential. Riots are occurring in different places around the area and it is clearly not possible to easily avoid them. It clearly isn't a safe place to travel to right now.

I've literally just bought travel insurance to France.

So you won't read the actual evidence that disproves your interpration?

"Since 27 June, riots have taken place across France. Many have turned violent. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted. There may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced. Some local authorities may impose curfews. Locations and timing of riots are unpredictable. You should monitor the media, avoid areas where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities."

There is nothing about avoiding it except for essential travel. If someone goes to a country where the FCO have said avoid, then it invalidates your travel insurance

Just ask your work to check their insurance.

I lived in a big city in France for several years. Cars were set on fire often and there were riots constantly. I never felt unsafe though. It was always fairly contained. I know it’s hard to judge when you are reading the news from afar but I really think there is not a risk. Have a good trip.

I would go, though I am familiar with Paris.

The Telegraph online now leading with ‘France on the verge of anarchy’ and talking of a possible state of emergency being imposed.

It’s Nahel’s funeral today. That’ll stir things up significantly.

I’d see what’s happening tomorrow, OP. But I wouldn’t blame you for opting out.

Depend on your job at work, if you are quite high up then that is different to if you are just an undervalued cog in the wheel, if the latter, I wouldn't go.