On 10/9, thousands of travelers and residents were stranded at train stations and airports across France as the "Bloquons Tout" (Block Everything) protest movement erupted, crippling the transportation system.

Several countries have issued travel warnings for France due to the widespread protests and strikes. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warned of potential roadblocks and severe delays for trains, metros, buses, and air travel.

The FCDO advises that no travel to France is entirely risk-free. Travelers should thoroughly research their destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance, including coverage for their itinerary, planned activities, and expenses in case of emergencies.

A railway worker holds a smoke bomb during a protest inside the Gare de Lyon station in Paris on 10/9. Photo: AP/Thibault Camus

A railway worker holds a smoke bomb during a protest inside the Gare de Lyon station in Paris on 10/9. Photo: AP/Thibault Camus

The Australian government expressed concern about the impact of the strikes on transportation and highlighted the risk of terrorism in France.

Canada recommended its citizens exercise a high degree of caution in France, especially avoiding popular tourist sites or crowded areas due to the risk of terrorism and social unrest.

The US State Department placed France at a Level 2 alert, "Exercise Increased Caution," due to the risk of terrorism and social unrest.

At Paris Gare du Nord station on 10/9, hundreds of people were crammed together in chaotic scenes. Authorities had to create separate passageways for travelers to bypass the protest areas.

"I'm glad I arrived at the station early," John, a passenger on the Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London, told Euro News.

Sia, a 28-year-old Canadian tourist, said she was a bit scared because she wasn't sure what was happening. She had planned to visit Versailles on her last day in Paris but couldn't leave because her train was canceled. At her hostel, many guests were afraid to leave their rooms due to safety concerns.

Tourist Bruno, who was sheltering in the station with his family, said, "We saw the police and protesters clashing, so we stayed away. Traveling with children makes us feel even more insecure."

A bus burns on the southern ring road in Rennes on 10/9. Photo: AFP

A bus burns on the southern ring road in Rennes on 10/9. Photo: AFP

The "Block Everything" movement originated on social media, calling for boycotts, roadblocks, and strikes, and quickly spread. The discontent stemmed from former Prime Minister François Bayrou's 2026 financial plan, which aimed to cut 44 billion euros to reduce the budget deficit. This included eliminating two public holidays, freezing pensions, and cutting 5 billion euros from healthcare spending.

The plan faced fierce opposition, forcing Bayrou to resign on 8/9 after nine months in office, becoming the third French prime minister to leave office in just one year.

Initially, the protest movement didn't involve unions, but recently, major organizations like the CGT (General Confederation of Labor) have joined, increasing the risk of disruption to ferries, fuel, and essential services.

The transportation sector has been the hardest hit. The Sud-Rail railway union announced a large-scale strike, leading to the cancellation of thousands of French National Railway trains nationwide. Suburban RER and Transilien lines around Paris operated at reduced capacity, and metro service in the city center was disrupted. The Bonjour RATP app (the Paris public transport authority) continuously warned users of service disruptions.

Travelers visiting France in September face further difficulties as the country's largest air traffic control union confirmed a 24-hour strike from 18/9 to 19/9. This is expected to be one of the largest strikes in years, affecting not only flights to and from France but also thousands of flights passing through French airspace. Routes between the UK, Spain, Italy, and other European destinations may experience delays or cancellations.

This follows a series of strikes in July that caused hundreds of flight cancellations and stranded passengers during peak tourist season. As September is not a holiday period, airlines warn that the ability to arrange alternative flights will be more limited.

Under EU regulations, passengers whose flights are canceled are entitled to rebooking on the earliest available flight, even with a different airline, and accommodation if stranded overnight. However, there is no financial compensation when the cause is an air traffic control strike.

With political instability, widespread protests, and an impending air traffic control strike, September is expected to be a challenging time for tourists in France.

Experts recommend that travelers closely monitor information from train operators and airlines; arrive at stations and airports earlier than usual; and prepare alternative plans, such as long-distance buses or flights through neighboring countries. Those with tight schedules should consider adjusting their plans before departure.

Police block protesters gathering near Gare du Nord station in Paris on 10/9. Video: AFP

Mai Phuong (Euro News)