Will be leaving on Saturday for 2 weeks in Paris. Anyone know what the latest news is re: museum strikes. The web site for the Louvre mentions "potential strikes" and a phone number to call.

I think there is frequently the possibility of strikes in France...however I haven't heard of any threats lately. I'd suspect that is the least of their worries just now.

Well, duh on me...check out the Anyone in Paris now thread to see notices about current strikes at museums. There are many things to do in Paris, fortunately, but it would be really a disappointment. Good luck

The French news today says that they are strike on strike, there is (was) a demonstration Wed afternoon in Paris by the workers (of Jospin, Prime Minister) demanding a re-opening of negotiations on the issues. Today lots of main museums/monuments were closed (Pompidou, Ste Chappelle, Rodin, d'Orsay, Cluny; Louvre re-opened for afternoon, as well as some outside Paris, but not as many--some apts at Versailles, St-Denis basilica). In short, this changes daily, if you aren't going for 2 wks, you should wait to check just before going, and then of course while you're there if they haven't resolved this. The strike is described as being of unlimited duration.

Peter: As reflected in this forum on past occasions, these folks go on strike more often than some politicians change girlfriends. Usually, the strikes rotate. That is, some museums are open while others are closed. The closings often roll from one museum or monument to another. <BR> <BR>My advice is to have your hotel desk people call the day you intend to visit a particular museum or monument and to stay very flexible. Don't bet on an opening your last day or two. Remember, also, that the National museums close on Tuesdays, anyway, and the local museums on Mondays. Remember, also, that the Carte Musee et Monuments does not offer refunds for closings due to strikes. At the rate they occur in France the administrative costs of such refunds would exceed the cost to supply wine to the French for a year.

Hi Peter, I just got back from Paris yesterday. I bought a 5 day museum pass for last week which was useless as the museums were closed most of the time & when they were open some of them were free anyway so check before getting a pass. I would phone each morning before you set off to check that the places you want to visit that day are actually open so you don't waste a lot of time like i did. Also don't rely on finding out whats open from the tourist office as they gave me incorrect information. Have a fantastic time - Paris is a beautiful city with so much to see & do whether or not the strikes are still running! Cheers...

Was in Paris from October 16 - 22. Very surprised to find that all the museums were closed to a strike by the museum workers which I'm told is not uncommon. <BR>Nevertheless, there is lots to do in Paris and we found our days filled. We stumbled upon the Rodin museum with the gardens open and free - it was great as you could look in all the windows of the actual building. We felt we saw it all. <BR>The evening shift at the Louvre is not on strike, so it was open Wednesday evening until 9:30. Not too many people were aware as we were fortunate to have the Mona Lisa all to ourselves. <BR> <BR>Found that the tourist information people do not know anything. We got more information by asking fellow tourists such as learning Sainte-Chappelle was open Saturday afternoon. Ask around to see what you can find open. And, check back with the places you want to visit as they may open for parts of days. <BR> <BR>Have a great time!