On Thursday, November 5, 2026, a nationwide general strike in France led to major travel disruptions, with an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 protesters expected in Paris demonstrations alone. Additional significant rallies were anticipated in Lyon and Marseille, as trade unions mobilized across the country.
Rail Network Disruptions Reported by SNCF
France’s national rail operator SNCF forecasted widespread disruptions across its network on November 5. While high-speed TGV services faced minor interruptions, regional Intercités and TER trains, as well as Paris-area RER and Île-de-France services, were considerably impacted. SNCF also announced closures of several train stations in Paris and the broader Île-de-France region.
Impact on Other Transport Modes and Eurostar Operations
Despite significant rail disruptions,
metro services in Paris at open stations were expected to remain operational, with bus and tram lines in Île-de-France reported to run normally. Commuter Transilien trains, however, were affected by the strike. Eurostar planned to maintain a near-normal timetable but urged passengers to monitor live updates, particularly for those with connecting services.
Official Travel Advisories and Statements
SNCF advised travelers to verify train operations before departure, stating, “Before you travel, please check that your train is running.” Passengers with cancelled TGV or Intercités trains would be contacted directly and permitted ticket exchanges or refunds free of charge. France’s civil aviation authority DGAC reported no mandatory
changes to flight schedules but cautioned about possible local disturbances. The UK Foreign Office issued travel warnings emphasizing the increased risk of demonstrations and recommended avoiding large crowds and following local police advice amid potential public safety measures.
Background and Previous Unrest Leading to the Strike
The November 5 strike followed a sequence of unrest throughout October 2026, which included three consecutive weekends of protests over school conditions and the rising cost of living. Earlier demonstrations escalated into riots featuring looting, property damage, and fires affecting shops and public buildings.
Traveler Impacts and Safety Measures
Travelers faced the risk of cancelled or delayed trains and partial closures of major stations. SNCF’s customer service
was set to contact affected passengers to facilitate refunds or ticket exchanges. With public safety measures potentially including curfews, travelers were urged to stay clear of protest zones and heed official guidance to avoid disruptions and ensure personal safety during the strike period.
