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France comes to a standstill: everything you need to know about the latest strikes
France is set to come to a standstill this week as workers take to the streets for a strike protesting against austerity measures.
This comes after Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government collapsed on Monday, following his intentions to slash France’s multi-billion-euro deficit by cutting two public holidays, freezing pensions and implementing other austerity measures.
As French workers feel the suggested measures would disproportionately affect the country’s lower and middle classes, they plan to take to the streets in protest.
Where in France is the strike taking place?
The entirety of France is set to be affected by the strike, with major transport hubs and popular tourist destinations, including Paris, Nice, Lyon, and Marseille, set to see disruption.
What transportation will be affected by the strikes in France?
The action could affect travellers visiting Paris – one of the most visited cities in the world – with transport drivers striking and action taking place at Chatelet-Les Halles, Paris city gates like Porte de Bagnolet, Porte de la Chapelle and Porte d’Italie, and at train and bus depots, according to the New York Times.
Strikes are expected to affect transportation to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport – a major hub for international travellers – as several unions plan to participate in industrial action to express their discontent with the proposed measures. Train workers are also striking, and air transport unions are encouraging airport workers to take action, too.
Bonjour RATP, an app and website run by Paris’ public transport operator, has a statement on their website at the time of writing saying, “Due to a nationwide interprofessional action, the operation of some RER and Transilien services will be disrupted on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.”
Eurostar claims its cross-channel services will operate as normal, but travellers should plan ahead for transport difficulties once they arrive in the city.
The strikes come as London is brought to a standstill, as underground tube drivers take industrial action in demand for better pay and fewer working hours. The strikes have caused havoc across the capital with workers attempting to cram into buses, operating overground and Elizabeth Line services or secure electric bikes to go about their daily lives.
