France warning for Brits planning Easter breaks amidst strikes and protests
France has been facing weeks of demonstrations and protests amid strikes – and some aspects have affected British holidays.
Air traffic control walkouts have caused some flights leaving the UK to be delayed.
Plus, many Brits are wondering whether it’s safe to travel to France for holidays due to protests.
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Throughout France protestors have expressed anger at President Emmanuel Macron's order to force through Parliament a bill raising France’s legal retirement age from 62 to 64 without taking a vote.
Violence has been documented with fires set and dozens arrested.
Waste workers went on strikes for over three weeks leaving bins to overflow and rubbish to cover the streets in huge piles.
At times, roads, airports and rail stations have been blocked by protests.
Passengers at Marseille and Paris railway stations have also been delayed after protestors jumped onto the tracks.
Brits travelling to France during the Easter holidays may now worry about their planned trips and whether they will be safe.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated advice to citizens hoping to head across the channel.
It states: “Since mid-March there have been spontaneous protests in central Paris and elsewhere in France. Protests are likely to take place and could occur with little notice. Some protests have turned violent. The protests may lead to disruptions to road travel.”
It continued: “There is also ongoing strike action affecting multiple sectors including transport networks. Coordinated strike action and large-scale demonstrations are next planned for Thursday 6 April.
“Industrial action may start the evening before the strike day and run for several days. You should monitor the media, check the latest advice with operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.”
Around 17million British nationals head to France each year and most are without issue.
If you are worried about travelling over Easter you may choose to contact your holiday provider, airline and hotel bookings – they may allow you to reschedule your holiday for a later date.
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