Riots in Paris
Dec 1, 2018, 4:22 pm
#1
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Riots in Paris
These are interesting times to be in Paris. From television, you see cars on fires, make shift barricades, burning tires, tear gas, stun guns, water cannons, high end stores being looted - and all of this in prime tourist areas with the Champs Elysees looking like a war zone, the Arc de Triomphe covered in graffiti and Place Vendome overtaken by a bonfire of Christmas trees! Galleries Lafayette and others forced to close...
Any first hand reports from FTers ...
Any first hand reports from FTers ...
Dec 2, 2018, 2:39 am
#2
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Yesterday was a very sad day to witness those unacceptable scenes of violence. Results of decades of inaction against delinquent people. But at least yesterday they have arrested about 350 persons. Life was normal in 95% of the city (outside Champs Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, bd Haussmann area). But still a very sad and shocking day 
Dec 2, 2018, 2:53 am
#3
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Following as we've got a weekend booked for next Saturday and Sunday at Place Vendome, which I understand was one of the hotspots last night. We'd re-book, but change fees on the Eurostar are basically what we paid for the tickets to start with, which is frustrating. Would be very interested to hear perspectives from people on the ground.
Dec 2, 2018, 3:25 pm
#4
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Following as we've got a weekend booked for next Saturday and Sunday at Place Vendome, which I understand was one of the hotspots last night. We'd re-book, but change fees on the Eurostar are basically what we paid for the tickets to start with, which is frustrating. Would be very interested to hear perspectives from people on the ground.
You will be fine, really. Am sure next week, IF there will be another protest, it will have more control. 95% of the city is just fine. And life is going on.
Dec 2, 2018, 3:29 pm
#5
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These are interesting times to be in Paris. From television, you see cars on fires, make shift barricades, burning tires, tear gas, stun guns, water cannons, high end stores being looted - and all of this in prime tourist areas with the Champs Elysees looking like a war zone, the Arc de Triomphe covered in graffiti and Place Vendome overtaken by a bonfire of Christmas trees! Galleries Lafayette and others forced to close...
Any first hand reports from FTers ...
Any first hand reports from FTers ...
The Champs wasn't touched. Though the Etoile and part of the 16th were touched.
I was finishing my market on Avenue Wilson, when I saw them coming down Avenue Marceau. Went to my usual cafe had my coffee and went home.
The graffiti will be cleaned up.
If you are planning on visiting, do, lots of tourists in my area, out enjoying the lights.
Dec 4, 2018, 8:43 am
#8
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I've spent Christmas week in Paris almost every year for the past six years. After the November 2015 attack, friends suggested I cancel. I said no. This year, again friends are saying I should cancel. Again, I said no. It would take a lot more than a protest to keep me from one of my favorite cities but I am a native New Yorker and was raised to be both tough and cautious. I am counting the days until I'm back in Paris. :-)
Dec 4, 2018, 4:18 pm
#9
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For the other cities you are quoting, I prefer that insiders give you some accurate info.
Dec 5, 2018, 7:52 am
#10
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I was in Paris as well last weekend, life went on as usual for most people. Indeed, for most of the day, I didn't realise how badly things were panning out except on TV. I knew stuff would happen but didn't cancel the trip (via TGV).
Only time I knew something was up was when add'l métro stations were no longer served as the protests spread. And the Gare St-Lazare smelled a bit burnt. Late in the evening when things calmed down, I witnessed some of the damage near the jardin des tuilieres and Opéra district- really despicable and sad.
But overall, no worries. I wouldn't worry about security as long as you use some common sense and a sense of awareness. I was also impacted back on the 17 Nov when I was in Strasbourg but I just got to know all the little back roads around the blockades
Only time I knew something was up was when add'l métro stations were no longer served as the protests spread. And the Gare St-Lazare smelled a bit burnt. Late in the evening when things calmed down, I witnessed some of the damage near the jardin des tuilieres and Opéra district- really despicable and sad.
But overall, no worries. I wouldn't worry about security as long as you use some common sense and a sense of awareness. I was also impacted back on the 17 Nov when I was in Strasbourg but I just got to know all the little back roads around the blockades
Dec 7, 2018, 12:17 am
#11
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Probably too late to change plans for those going to Paris this weekend but apparently lots of places will be closed on Saturday: Gilets jaunes, acte IV : Paris ville morte ce samedi - Le Parisien
For those who don't speak French: the titel is: Paris, ghost town on Saturday. Eiffel tower closed, lots of musea closed (Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, ....), shops strongly advised to close, pubs asked to keep tables and chairs inside
For those who don't speak French: the titel is: Paris, ghost town on Saturday. Eiffel tower closed, lots of musea closed (Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, ....), shops strongly advised to close, pubs asked to keep tables and chairs inside
Dec 7, 2018, 9:14 am
#13
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Hello,
My first post here
Are any additional issues foreseen around ORY? I am planning for a one-day meeting in Evry, and thinking that staying around ORY and taking local transport maybe easier, as compared to CDG and staying in Paris. I usually use CDG and take RER to/from the city.
Thanks for any insights.
Freddy
My first post here
Are any additional issues foreseen around ORY? I am planning for a one-day meeting in Evry, and thinking that staying around ORY and taking local transport maybe easier, as compared to CDG and staying in Paris. I usually use CDG and take RER to/from the city.
Thanks for any insights.
Freddy
Dec 7, 2018, 1:35 pm
#14
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Hello,
My first post here
Are any additional issues foreseen around ORY? I am planning for a one-day meeting in Evry, and thinking that staying around ORY and taking local transport maybe easier, as compared to CDG and staying in Paris. I usually use CDG and take RER to/from the city.
Thanks for any insights.
Freddy
My first post here
Are any additional issues foreseen around ORY? I am planning for a one-day meeting in Evry, and thinking that staying around ORY and taking local transport maybe easier, as compared to CDG and staying in Paris. I usually use CDG and take RER to/from the city.
Thanks for any insights.
Freddy
no problem in ORY/Evry !
Dec 7, 2018, 2:49 pm
#15
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There really isn't any danger of being physically attacked, they do building etc damage but not human.
I've spent Christmas week in Paris almost every year for the past six years. After the November 2015 attack, friends suggested I cancel. I said no. This year, again friends are saying I should cancel. Again, I said no. It would take a lot more than a protest to keep me from one of my favorite cities but I am a native New Yorker and was raised to be both tough and cautious. I am counting the days until I'm back in Paris. :-)
Am glad that you love my little beautiful town. If you come here this year, let's have a drink.