Foreign Office updates France travel advice as fresh strikes planned for May bank holiday

Brits heading to France have been warned of industrial action taking place tomorrow (Thursday, April 20) and Monday, May 1, impacting those with holiday plans over the bank holiday. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its travel advice for the country.

Strikes and “spontaneous protests” have taken place across France since mid-March in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to raise the pension age from 62 to 64. Some protests, especially in Paris, have even turned violent.

A new wave of industrial action is planned, with transport networks set to be impacted. The strikes could start earlier than planned, and may last several days.

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The FCO said: “Trade unions have announced strikes on Thursday 20 April and large-scale demonstrations and coordinated industrial action on Monday 1 May, affecting multiple sectors including transport networks. Industrial action may start the evening before the strike day and run for several days.”

Holidaymakers are urged to follow media updates, check the latest advice with operators before travelling and avoid any demonstrations while in France. You can also check the FCO website for the latest updates.

On Wednesday (April 19) while visiting the town of Selestat, President Macron was greeted by hecklers who shouted for him to resign. Earlier in the day, during a visit to a company specialising in wooden buildings, Mr Macron was met by a more silent protest.

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