Spring is in the air in Paris and so is tear gas on certain days. It is a special time of year and anything can happen. Here are a few tips to help you if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is not the place to discuss the political aspects of what is happening but just to share pointers on dealing with the situation.

According to the riot police, who know what they’re talking about, the best primary protection against tear gas is a big scarf. The effectiveness can be improved by various methods. Student groups have been rubbing lemon slices over their scarves (the acidity filters the gas) while anarchists swear by using apple cider vinegar.
Other rules to keep in mind: 1) do not panic when you see the gas; people who panic breathe deeper. 2) no makeup, because it makes the gas stick to the skin; the same thing will happen if you start sweating. 3) never rub your eyes; the more tears you shed, the more your eyes will sting because the gas is made to react with tears; you should instead rinse your eyes as quickly as possible with water or eye drops. 4) never wear contact lenses if there is a risk of tear gas. 5) swimming goggles and ski goggles are extremely efficient, but demonstrators consider the use of them “pathetic” and the riot police immediately believe that you planned all along to be in the riot.

Happy holidays in Paris.

Hi K,

Thanks for the tips.

I tend to avoid large, noisy groups wherever I am.

Be sure to describe how to protect oneself against grizzly-bear attacks, because they are almost as common in Paris as tear gas.

This site needs to lighten up sometimes. But actually, Paris is the only city in the world where I have been subjected to tear gas. I would say that I have experienced it about 5 times since I moved here, including at least twice in the metro -- other times were on the Champs Elysées, in front of the Assemblée Nationale and once at Place Jules Joffrin. So people hanging out in the Latin Quarter just to smell the aroma of tear gas might be disappointed -- if often turns up where you don't expect it.

Still waiting to see a grizzly bear inside the city limits. At least NYC has coyotes.

I love the smell of tear gas in the morning. It smells like...victory.

You forgot to mention the alligators in the sewers of NY. Do they have alligators in the paris sewers? Do you have to pay extra for that tour?

Not to mention pumas in Purley:

http://society.guardian.co.uk/societ...735932,00.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/country/ar...737294,00.html

The best grizzly bear countermeasure is probably a large-caliber rifle, but the Paris police would probably not be particularly happy about you carrying one (even more suspicious than swimming goggles).

Isn't there some kind of personal tear-gas device (a la pepper spray) one can carry in case of grizzly attack??? Please someone tell me quickly...my flight is tomorrow and I'm sure it can only be purchased here in the US. Do you think I should put it in my carry-on?

I bought my mom some anti-bear pepper spray stuff for personal defense, so yeah, it's definitely out there. Think it's illegal on the plane, though. Anyway, just absorb the French culture and bring a white flag instead.

Here are some French guys who didn't surrender. <i>Ils ne passeront pas!</i>

http://www.marville.org/photos/localarea/local-270.jpg

Maybe that explains why Paris women all wear scarves. You just never know when a tear gas rally might turn up while walking the city. Wow. What a crazy place...

(I was just kidding...)

Anthony - Thank you for the best response I have read in some time. LOL

I'm laughing because I'm imagining a poster to this site...

Fodorites, I'm a first time traveler to Paris and am getting excited about my trip! Can you help tell me if I'm packing too much into this itinerary?

Day 1: arrive CDG with fellow anarchists - most have been to big protests throughout world (G7, etc), but this is my first outside US. Taxi or RER to our hotel in the 5th? Drop off bags and attend demonstration orientation at Sorbonne; grab quick sandwich and tour Louvre and Tuleries; evening vigil back at Sorbonne.

Day 2: Huge demonstration and march planned - do I have time for coffee and croissants at Deux Magots? Where's best place to buy scarves? After march, planning on visiting Notre Dame, Ste. Chappelle and Concergerie, unless in jail.

etc.

We had a grizzly bear run through our front yard. They say the best defence is to keep your garbage locked up. Unfortunately, what can you do when the moose keep having their babies in the nearby woods.

Mais, non. The best safeguard against an angry bear is a companion who can runner slower than you.

Amy: I know, my response was meant to be funny, in a very dry way

Update: this afternoon's tear gas was at Invalides. (along with burning cars, smashed windows... -- the trashers are getting out of hand and the students do not know how to deal with them.)

grsing...whew! okay you win the dry award! much drier than me, anyway! ;-)