A Must-Read for Travelers! Scheduled Strikes in France - From Paris to Across Europe: Strikes and Protests in September, How to Protect Your Travel Plans

1. What Happened in France on "That Day"

On September 10, France was unsettled from the morning. The slogan was "Bloquons tout" (Stop Everything). Roads were blocked in various places, trash bins were set on fire, and demonstrations crossed major cities. The government deployed a security force of 80,000, resulting in about 300 arrests. The focus was on opposition to austerity measures, including cuts to social security and public services, coinciding with the politically unstable period following the appointment of a new prime minister, adding to the symbolic weight. For travelers, the real impact was not the disruption of "points" in transportation but the disruption of "surfaces"—urban, intercity, and cross-border travel were simultaneously congested, causing delays throughout entire itineraries.The GuardianReuters

2. The Reality of Ground Transportation: SNCF and RATP, Where Are the Vulnerabilities?

From the pre-announcement stage, SNCF (National Railways) anticipated disruptions in regional transport (TER, Intercités), and while TGV was "principally operational," delays were expected due to confusion around access roads and stations. In the Paris region, RER and bus travel times were unpredictable, compounded by bottlenecks in front of stations, leading to the paradox of "arriving at the station but unable to board the train." In the city center, demonstrations were directed around areas like Châtelet-Les Halles, and blockades of ring roads and highway entrances caused localized wave delays.Sortir à Parisdna.fr

Points

• TER/Intercités: Prone to planned suspensions or reduced services (negotiation outcomes can change the situation the night before).dna.fr

• TGV: Even if the main line is operational, transfers, entry restrictions, and station congestion can make "actual boarding" difficult.dna.fr

• Paris Region RATP: Significant variations by line and time of day. Ground systems (buses, trams) collapse first when road blockades overlap.Sortir à Paris

3. Air Travel: Localized Restrictions on 9/10 and the "Second Wave" Warning

On 9/10, the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) requested evening-to-midnight restrictions (up to 50% reduction) on arrivals and departures at some airports in the southeast and Corsica. Although this affected only a small portion of total national flights, it had a cascading effect on connections, aircraft rotations, and crew operations, causing delays across Europe to spread more than expected. Furthermore, the air traffic controller strike on September 18-19 was announced, potentially affecting flights passing over surrounding European countries. There is a precedent of large-scale cancellations across Europe during past summer strikes.latribune.frThe TimesAP News

4. International Trains: The "Invisible Congestion" at Gare du Nord

For international trains (such as Eurostar) to London and Brussels, changes in station operations and delay notifications were frequent on the day. Even without "direct causes" of the strike, congestion in urban transport led to inability to reach the station/long security check lines→ resulting in "secondary damage" where passengers couldn't board "on-time trains." On 9/10, delay warnings were repeatedly posted at Paris Nord Station.Eurostar

5. What Did Social Media Reflect: #10septembre2025 and the Visualization of Division

On X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Telegram, and Facebook, #BloquonsTout / #10septembre2025 was the focus, with

• posts advocating "protests as a defense of life,"

• images of road blockades and burning barricades,

• anger and lament from travelers and commuters,

• and influencers and political forces pushing "interpretations"
  occurring simultaneously. French newspapers noted right-wing influencers emphasizing the responsibility for "turning violent" in their widely shared posts. Additionally, some British media highlighted suspicions of mechanical amplification (astroturfing) of hashtags. This information environment complicates "understanding the actual situation on the ground" and becomes a source of noise for travel decisions.Le Monde.frThe Observer

Discussions were heated even among traveler communities. On Rick Steves' Europe Forum and Tripadvisor, many shared practical wisdom such as **"avoid traveling on 9/10," "secure alternative transportation in advance," and "the opening and closing of tourist facilities cannot be predicted until the morning of the day."** This represents "the wisdom of the people" that cannot be fully captured by government announcements or railway operators' operational information and serves as a hint for itinerary planning.Rick Steves CommunityTripadvisor

6. Practical Techniques: Seven Rules to "Not Break" Your Itinerary

1. Have alternative routes for round trips: Round trips on the same route concentrate risk. Consider TGV for the outbound and a flight for the return, or backup with a bus/rental car/night train.

2. Monitor until you "arrive at the station": Check not only railway apps (like SNCF Connect) but also live information on urban transport and roads simultaneously.Sortir à Paris

3. Prioritize "flexibility in refunds and transfers": Choose tickets/hotels that allow date changes. Even if air traffic controller strikes are not covered by EU261 compensation, **the duty of care (accommodation, re-routing)** remains.The Times

4. Consider "staying the night before" at airports: Especially effective if your flight is during the restricted time at regional airports or to Corsica.latribune.fr

5. Double the "security line time" for Eurostar: Even with a 90-minute pre-departure guideline, congestion can cause breakdowns. Check for changes in station operations as they are announced.Eurostar

6. Prepare for the "second wave" on 9/18-19: For connecting flights, book under the same ticket. Separate bookings increase the risk of self-payment.The Times

7. Monitor the situation with a "government + local newspapers + traveler community" triad: Avoid bias and obtain practical decision-making materials.travel.state.govReutersRick Steves Community

7. Updating the "NYT Style" Essence with the Latest Situation

In this reconstruction, the NYT framework of "What Travelers Need to Know" (flexible itineraries, checking refund and transfer conditions, multi-layered real-time information checks) was connected to the practicalities of 9/10 and the 9/18-19 announcement. Rather than just a "caution," it was translated into specific action variables (advancing arrival times, securing alternative routes, using night and long-distance buses, staying overnight, etc.). As a result, it becomes clear that travel planning should be designed not as the "shortest route" but as "multiple fault-tolerant routes."The TimesEurostar

8. For Those Who Still Go: Mini FAQ

Q. Are days other than 9/10 safe?
A. Protests and labor negotiations can easily chain-react and fluctuate until the last minute. The air traffic controller strike on 9/18-19 could have widespread effects.The Times

Q. What about sightseeing in Paris?
A. Facilities generally open, but