What It's Really Like to Be in France During a Strike

Welcome to France

Strikes in France make international headlines with dramatic footage of burning barricades, chanting crowds, and transportation chaos. But what's it actually like when you're there as a traveler?

I found out firsthand during a recent trip to Lyon. While the strike did change a few things about our day, it wasn't the trip-ending disaster the news coverage might have you expect. Here's the reality behind the headlines.

French Strikes 101: More Predictable Than You Think

Here's something that might surprise you: unlike spontaneous protests elsewhere, French strikes are typically announced weeks in advance. Unions set dates, media reports on them, and everyone, from businesses to tourists, can prepare accordingly.

When we arrived in Lyon the day before a scheduled strike, some shop owners had already boarded up their windows. At first glance, it looked ominous, like the city was bracing for battle. But this was simply standard precaution - not panic.

The reality? Most of Lyon remained open for business. Cafes bustled with locals enjoying their morning coffee. Tourists wandered the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon. We even bought a scarf at Louis Vuitton, the only concession to the strike was that our salesman discreetly placed our purchase in a plain bag instead of the signature bright LV shopping bag. But this small precaution certainly didn't stop our shopping excursions. Life went on, just with a few thoughtful adjustment.

The Media vs. My Experience

Television coverage showed the usual dramatic scenes: police lines, burning trash cans, and crowds of protesters. But walking through Lyon that day, I experienced something completely different.

Lyon, France

The only real disruption we encountered was transportation. Uber prices doubled (surge pricing kicked in hard), and the bus and metro schedules became unreliable. Some routes stopped running entirely.

But dangerous? Hardly. The atmosphere remained calm throughout the city. No angry mobs, no sense of danger, just a city going through what felt like a scheduled maintenance day.

Practical Tips for Travelers

If you find yourself in France during a strike, here's how to navigate it:

• Don't panic, plan around it. Strikes can slow you down but rarely make destinations unsafe. Think of it as a logistical challenge, not a safety threat.

• Check strike schedules in advance. French strikes are usually announced well ahead of time. A quick Google search before your trip can help you plan accordingly. As your travel advisor, I handle this monitoring for you, checking strike calendars during the planning phase and sending alerts if any are scheduled during your trip, so you never have to worry about being caught off guard.

• Avoid demonstration zones. Protests typically happen in specific areas, usually near government buildings or major squares. Stay clear of these zones and you'll barely notice the strike happening.

• Consider it a perfect day trip opportunity. Stuck in Paris during a strike? That's your cue to explore somewhere else entirely. Take the train to Versailles, visit Monet's gardens in Giverny, or tour the Champagne region. Sometimes strikes force you into experiences you wouldn't have planned otherwise. When I'm planning your itinerary, I always build in flexible alternatives if a strike is scheduled, I'll have backup day trip options already researched and booked, turning potential disruption into an unexpected adventure.

• Download offline maps and have backup transportation plans. When public transit becomes unreliable, walking routes and ride-sharing apps become your best friends.

Protests in Paris

The Bottom Line

Would I cancel a trip to France because of a strike? Absolutely not.

Yes, strikes can be inconvenient, especially if you have tight schedules or specific transportation needs. But they're manageable with a little flexibility and realistic expectations. The news often amplifies the drama because conflict makes compelling footage. The reality is much more mundane: strikes are simply part of French culture, as routine as closing shops for lunch or taking August vacations. What looks like chaos from thousands of miles away feels more like a minor schedule adjustment when you're actually there. Pack some patience, embrace the unexpected, and you might just discover that strike days offer their own unique glimpse into French life.

After all, there's something uniquely French about a country where even civil disobedience happens on schedule.