Would you travel to France (Nantes) right now?

[LemonDifficulty]

I have a 4 day break booked for Nantes next week during half term with my 2 DC. I'm not so much worried about being in danger but wondering whether we'll actually be able to do touristy things if the rioting continues. Any thoughts, especially from anyone visiting the area at the moment, would be welcome!

I don't think anyone can predict what's going to happen - but it would be a terrible shame if you couldn't go!. Nantes is beautiful. And don't forget to visit/ride on the elephant!

Thanks for your response and of course you're right, there's no crystal ball unfortunately! I have booked the elephant and my DC are so excited but worried we might be stuck in the hotel most of the time.

I'm going to a different European city next week where there has been rioting outside the train station. We were planning to use the trains to move about. And to get to our next destination. Hopefully there will be alternatives if the station is closed.

I wouldn't go to France right now.

If you mean Brussels, it’s absolutely fine now! Have a lovely time!

I’m in Nice right now. It’s lovely.

@LongStoryLong
Have the shops and restaurants reopened?

Ive got an appointment in Limoges on Thursday.

The French gonna French. We travelled through Paris and on to Perpignan the day after the 2023 riots. It was fine. The only impact on us was our Saturday night out was quite quiet cos the local authority had stopped all suburban transport that night.

@Decorhate if it is Brussels we travelled through Brussels this evening and went out for a quick bite and a drink around Brussels Midi, it's fine.

Since it is already booked, mind as well make the most of it regardless of what could potentially happen.

My sister recently came to visit after being in Paris for a week. No issues at all.

I’ve witnessed a few Paris and Marseilles riots in my time (UK born, but lived in Paris), but nothing quite on the current reported scale.

lf l could amend travel dates and accommodation at no or absolutely minimal cost l would, but otherwise l would go.

It would be interesting to hear how you get on if you do go.

My family live in France and say it’s absolutely fine.

It’s a big country though. Clearly many area are trouble free. But are they in or near Nantes? I’m not saying there is a problem there, l don’t know. l’m just saying the situation varies.

This is what I'm trying to understand. There are obviously a few cities that have borne the brunt of the disruption, Nantes being one of them last weekend. I'm still in two minds and think I will wait and see what happens this weekend and if it is more settled. Thank you everyone who's replied.

Husband has relatives in Nantes and the school has been closed for the child. Some shops looted. They missed it as away. DH reckons that a big protest is planned in Nantes on Saturday and the army and tougher policing are being brought in. I would just monitor it, if you have a car I'm sure there would be places you could go, just monitor the news. Though if its all refundable I might be tempted to go another time.

@OneZanyCat

, if you have a car I'm sure there would be places you could go

Sounds reasonable, I'd just maybe look at making sure any car isn't parked on street overnight,.especially if the OP is staying centrally.

Yes its probably wise to be careful with a car though I think the setting fire to cars is a Paris thing (could be wrong though) but obviously a fire anywhere could spread.

Sadly burning cars for fun, whilst rare, happens in all the major cities if protests get a bit of head of steam going.

When exactly are you going to be in Nantes and where? I would avoid the city centre on Saturday all day as this will be the big protest day. I would think you would be fine any other day.

We're due to travel on Monday. I've read about the planned protest for Saturday so I'm thinking I will wait and see what happens this weekend.

We’re heading there but avoiding the main cities on Saturday, which seems to be the main protest day