Hi there. I know there is already a thread about the Paris riots, but I have some specific concerns. My wife and I have arrangements to go to Paris November 11. We will be there for about a week. Any information regarding the dangers presented by the riots would be greatly appreciated. I am interested in hearing from anyone in Europe, especially France, who may have information or advise. Anyone else who has any insight is welcome to post as well.

At this point, I'm starting to get a little jittery about going to Paris...

I'd keep checking the news, but honestly I don't think its something to worry about. My much better half lives in the centre of Paris and things are going on pretty much as usual there from what she tells me.

The riots are pretty much confined to the suburbs, which I suppose is some sort of cruel blessing.

Thanks for the info. In other news, Prince Charles and Camilla are over here right now.

No need to worry. I don't know when the riots began but I was in Paris last week and I didn't notice anything at all. Also, like Sparky said, these riots take place principally on the outskirts of Paris.

You might want to gove the La Haine walking tour a miss but you'll be safe for the Da Vinci Code

There's actually a thread with good Paris advice from a while back, with an unlikely title: http://www.electrical.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5295

As for Paris right now, the NYT is saying that Unrest Spreads to Central Paris. Make of that what you will.

My (very recently) ex-flatmate is living in central Paris right now, and he certainly doesn't seem worried about the risk. I mean, there are armed cops absolutely everywhere in the damned place. They guard branches of C&A as if they are Fort Knox. Depending on skin colour, you'd probably be OK.

Lazybones,

I'm sure it will be fine, but I can understand your jitters.

I just read somewhere that the U.S. Gov has issued a rather soft 'travel advisory' regarding the RER train that runs from CDG airport into the city. If there is a riot goin' on, you will likely see it from the window of this train. The advisory reads something like "perhaps it would be wise to investigate other travel options from CDG to the city." Just FYI.

What part of the city are you staying in?

You will have fun. Paris is the best!


Regards,
Mr. King

We will be staying in the 1st Arrondissement (sort of near the Louvre), so pretty much right in center of the city. Arrangements have already been made for transportation to the hotel by taxi. I am a pink person, so I guess this might make me ok with the authorities... or a target for rioters. Please forgive me if I sound paranoid, but my wife will be with me and I want her to be safe.

I hope this shit settles down, for the sake of all involved in France... and for my own selfish reasons as well.

The 1st is probably as safe an area as you can get. I've just had a word with my girlfriend, who again said that you couldn't really tell the difference in Central Paris. You probably won't be taking the RER (train), which has been advised against in certain areas; Central Paris is compact. I'm sure you'll have a great, and I expect (and hope) that all of this lunacy will die down in the next few days.