France Imposes Curfews in Paris, Other Cities; Canada Updates Travel Advisory

French authorities are imposing targeted curfews in parts of Paris and several other major cities following a weekend of violent protests that left at least two people dead, thousands arrested and widespread damage to businesses and public buildings.

As previously reported, the emergency measures come as France grapples with the aftermath of some of its worst civil unrest in years, sparked by demonstrations over education and the rising cost of living.

What began as protests escalated into deadly clashes between police and rioters, triggering political tensions across the country and raising concerns that the unrest could spread to neighbouring European nations.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu credited the localized curfews with helping restore calm overnight into Tuesday (Oct. 20), while warning that authorities were considering extending the restrictions for another night.

In Paris, the measures covered popular public areas, including Place de la République, one of the capital’s best-known squares, and streets surrounding Les Halles, a busy shopping and dining district.

Similar restrictions were introduced in Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain, with some municipalities temporarily banning public gatherings or imposing nighttime curfews for minors.

According to Agence France-Presse, some curfews, including those in Paris, were initially limited to Monday night into Tuesday (Oct. 20), while restrictions in cities such as Bordeaux and Nice were expected to remain in place for several days.

The measures could affect visitors to France, particularly those planning evening activities in affected neighbourhoods.

The restrictions follow a weekend of widespread violence during which more than 2,000 people were arrested and at least two people died.

Several others suffered serious injuries, including two individuals who reportedly lost their hands.

Police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds and engaged in running clashes with groups of black-clad, hooded rioters, reports say.

Fires were set across several cities, while thousands of shops and government buildings were reportedly broken into or damaged. Images circulating from the unrest showed historic buildings – including Lyon’s tourism office – engulfed in flames.

The violence has also fuelled a political blame game within France, as officials face mounting pressure to restore order while addressing the grievances that sparked the demonstrations.

Canada updates travel advisory

Meanwhile, Global Affairs Canada updated its travel advice page for France on Oct. 19 to reflect the evolving safety situation.

“Demonstrations have taken place and continue to occur in several cities across the country. They led to disruptions to public services and transportation and resulted in vandalism, looting, arson, and violent clashes between protesters and police. In some cases, security forces used force, including tear gas, to disperse crowds,” the notice reads.

Travellers are advised to check with local authorities for curfew restrictions, avoid demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.

Visitors should also follow official instructions, expect heightened security and an increased police presence, and be prepared to adjust travel plans in the event of disruptions, the notice reads.