strikes effects in Paris?
 

Hi, Will be visiting Paris week of apr 17, and concerned that strikes and demonstrations may hamper sightseeing and getting around the city. Worried that the Metro might not be working and that some tourist sites might be closed.
Has anyone been there recently and had any problems?

Thanks.

I got there the day of the first strike and left the day of the second strike. I saw some protestors on Rue Monge; a lot of police vehicles going here and there; I read the Eiffel Tower was closed. Other than that, nothing. During the week I would see a lot of federal police vehicles parked near monuments. Metro was running every day. No affect on my transportation.

Don't go looking for trouble and you will not find it. Have fun :)

Well that is good news. I do hope the Eiffel will be open, however. But, if the metro is running-good enough. Thanks for that info--appreciate it.

I was in Paris last week- on the day of the general strike, Tues 3/28, the Dorsay Museum was closed, and the Archeological Crypt at Notre Dame. The metro was working, taxis and buses available. There was a considerable armed police presence in front of all ministry buildings, but you could walk right by them. We walked by the Sorbonne without problem- the demonstrations were on the Right Bank at the Place de la Republique. The media, particularily CNN made it seem that all of Paris was rioting- but we had no problems walking on the Left Bank and visiting many churches and museums that week.

The Tower was only closed on the day of the strikes - they operated normally on the other days. And I have the pictures to prove it :)

People in Paris watched the “riots” on CNN, just like everyone else, since nobody could find them in real life.

All good news--thanks.

Anthony, there is a difference between a strike and a protest/demonstration.
Travelers are wanting to know about the strikes, whereby workers on transportation modes or at museums are on strike and therefore not working. It's a quite different concern than wondering if the 'riots' will affect them.

There hasn't been much in the way of strikes. Strikes in France are work slowdowns, not work stoppages, in most cases, and they affect the public sector more than the private sector. Transportation is most affected, especially trains.