A nationwide general strike in France on Thursday, November 5, 2026, is expected to involve 500,000 to 700,000 demonstrators, primarily around Paris, with additional large protests planned in Lyon and Marseille. The strike follows weeks of unrest and protest activity concerning the cost of living and school conditions.
Rail Network Disruptions Across France
SNCF, France’s national railway operator, warned of widespread service interruptions impacting TGV, Intercités, TER, and Île-de-France RER trains on November 5. High-speed TGV lines are expected to experience minor disruptions, while regional and commuter routes including Intercités, TER, and RER services will face significant interruptions. Several train stations throughout Paris and the
Île-de-France region will remain closed for the day.
Public Transport and Other Rail Services
Normal metro services will run at stations that remain open, and bus and tram networks in Île-de-France are anticipated to operate without interruption. Eurostar announced plans to maintain a near-normal schedule but urged passengers to monitor live updates, especially when connecting to other trains within France. Eurostar stressed the importance of checking service status before travel on November 5.
Aviation and Government Advisories
France’s civil aviation authority DGAC reported no requirements for flight schedule changes amid the strike, with no major airline disruptions forecast. Despite this, the UK Foreign Office has issued a travel warning highlighting
an increased risk of demonstrations across France, urging travelers to avoid large crowds and to follow local safety instructions. The advisory noted that authorities might impose localized curfews in some areas due to public safety concerns during the ongoing unrest.
Strike Context and Passenger Guidance
The strike was organized by trade unions in response to rising living costs and ongoing societal tensions after consecutive weekends of demonstrations and riots over school conditions. Damage reported during recent protests included vandalism and fires affecting public and private property. SNCF advised passengers to confirm train operations before traveling on November 5 and stated that ticket holders affected by
cancellations on TGV or Intercités trains are eligible for free exchanges or refunds.
“Before you travel, please check that your train is running,” SNCF stated. The UK Foreign Office reinforced the need for caution, pointing out the potential for sudden demonstrations and advising travelers to watch local media for updates.
