Protests in France have turned into riots over the weekend, with ongoing disruptions; here’s what you need to know.

Images of the France riots have been splashed across news feeds for the last week, as protests have been happening across several countries in Europe. After a particularly destructive weekend across the country, the French Prime Minister, Sebastien Lecornu, has announced that troops will be deployed and new curfews will be imposed in hopes of restoring calm.

But why is this happening, and what does it mean for anyone planning to travel to France?

Why are there riots?

Protesters across Europe – including France, Spain and Portugal – are calling for better school conditions and relief from unaffordable housing and the cost of living.

France, in particular, has seen these protests turn particularly rough. It started with high school students clashing with police over long hours, missing teachers, dilapidated classrooms and the current university admissions system. And it spread to other demonstrators making their feelings about the wider cost of living crisis known.

The protests around France grew increasingly violent, culminating in a weekend that saw hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets. In some areas of the country, shops were looted, and historic buildings were vandalised or torched.

Where and when do curfews apply?

Following the weekend, and a pledge from protesters to escalate their action in the coming days, partial curfews were announced for parts of Paris and Lille for 20-21 October. A separate curfew was also imposed by police from 11pm on Monday until 6am on Tuesday in two areas of Paris: Place de la République and the shopping neighbourhood of Les Halles, where rioting and looting took place.

These curfews only affect specific zones (or age groups) in these cities, and being outside or entering these zones during curfew hours is prohibited. For example, in Lille, the curfew only applies to minors. Here, officers have been patrolling the city centre and checking IDs.

Lecornu stated that the new measures are to help restore order after the rioting and looting swept Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities over the weekend.

Mayors have also been empowered to set their own curfews in the coming days. And it’s been noted that curfews and safety measures can be updated at very short notice. So the only way to keep up with current restrictions is to monitor local announcements – admittedly a difficult task, especially as a traveller.

Will there be travel disruptions?

Most likely, yes. Travellers are being warned to expect delays and cancellations on railways and public transport, and long queues at motorway toll booths. There may even be blockades of petrol stations and some road closures. Track these via this live traffic map.

So far, international flights and train journeys haven’t experienced cancellations, but travellers should keep checking in with their airline before departure in case that changes.

Will everything be open once I arrive?

The short answer is, it’s difficult to say. The head of France’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) reported that over 2000 shops and other businesses were directly impacted by the events of the weekend.

And public sites – like the Louvre and shops – may continue to experience sudden closures, strikes or transport disruptions. French unions are already calling for more strikes and rallies on 5 November, which is expected to disrupt rail and public transport, as well as affect air travel. And over 200 demonstrations or blockades are already planned across France for Saturday, October 24, and that number is expected to rise.

To keep up with current recorded movements and get an idea of where to avoid, travellers can watch this map. But, as you can see, there aren’t many places free of further protests.

Should I travel to France right now?

The best advice we can give you is to keep an eye on Smart Traveller. As of today, 21 October, the advice is Level Two, to “exercise a high degree of caution in France".

“Large-scale protests and demonstrations occurred across France on 17 October and may continue. Authorities may impose public safety measures, including partial and localised curfews, in some locations. Follow the advice of authorities, stay informed and avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity."

“France uses a three-level alert system for responding to threats to security and public safety. The current level is ‘vigilance renforcée’ (enhanced vigilance)."