France Transit and Public Sector Strike Sept. 29: What US Travelers Need to Know

Quick Facts: France Strike on September 29

Most long-distance trains should run normally, with TGV and Intercités service expected to operate as usual on September 29.
Some Paris-area rail lines are expected to be disrupted, including RER C, D and E and Transilien lines R and V.
The Paris march runs from Place de la République to Place de la Nation by way of Bastille
Schools and government offices in Paris and Île-de-France may close or offer reduced services
France is at Level 2, meaning the State Department advises Americans to exercise increased caution there
Live station closures are posted on RATP's website, which is the best place to check before you head out
STEP enrollment is free and sends State Department alerts like this one straight to your inbox at step.state.gov

The U.S. Mission to France issued a Demonstration Alert for the September 29 strike, advising Americans to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time. Image source: @TravelGov on X

What Travelers Should Expect on September 29

The strike is nationwide, but for most visitors the biggest concern will be getting around Paris. The embassy says the strike could affect Metro, RER and bus service, while the city’s demonstration is expected to travel from Place de la République to Bastille and then Place de la Nation. The State Department has also shared the warning through its official TravelGov account on X.

The State Department's TravelGov account flagged the strike on X and urged travelers to check RATP and SNCF updates before heading out. Image source: @TravelGov on X

RATP has now confirmed that several Metro stations around the demonstration route are scheduled to close beginning at noon on Tuesday at the request of police. These include Bastille, Temple, Breguet-Sabin, Reuilly-Diderot, Filles du Calvaire, Saint-Sébastien-Froissart and Chemin Vert. Trains will pass through closed stations without stopping, and connections there won't be available until authorities allow the stations to reopen.

Train Travel Looks Better Than the Initial Alert Suggests

If you're traveling between cities in France, there's some good news. As of September 28, France's national rail operator, SNCF, says its high-speed TGV trains, which connect major cities across the country, are expected to run normally. Long-distance Intercités trains should also operate as usual, while TER regional trains, which serve shorter routes between cities, towns, and smaller communities, are expected to run close to normal.

The bigger concern is around Paris. SNCF says some RER commuter rail lines, which connect central Paris with the suburbs and surrounding areas, are expected to see disruptions, including RER C, D, and E. Transilien suburban trains on lines R and V are also expected to be affected. If you're traveling in or around Paris, check your exact train in SNCF Connect before leaving for the station, especially if you have a tight connection.

Paris Metro and RER service may be affected by the September 29 strike, so travelers should check RATP updates before heading out.

How to Keep Your Paris Trip on Track

You probably don’t need to rearrange your entire Paris trip, but September 29 isn’t the day to build an itinerary around tight transportation connections. Strikes are a fairly regular part of life in France, and they rarely ruin a trip for travelers who plan ahead. The key is to check before you go, leave extra time, and have a backup route in mind.

If you’re sightseeing in Paris, give the République, Bastille, and Nation areas some breathing room while the demonstration is underway. The embassy alert does not announce airport closures, but anyone relying on public transportation to reach Charles de Gaulle, Orly, or a major train station should check their route before setting out.

A little planning should make the day much easier:

Check RATP before every trip on ratp.fr, since station closures can change through the day
Leave extra time for airport runs, especially if you're counting on the RER to reach Charles de Gaulle or Orly
Walk when you can, because central Paris is compact and a 30-minute stroll may beat a crowded replacement bus
Follow English-language French news from France 24, RFI and The Local for strike updates
Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov so embassy alerts land in your inbox

A strike day is a good excuse to see Paris on foot. Landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe are best appreciated at street level anyway.

For most visitors, this looks more like a day to double-check your route than cancel your plans. Long-distance rail service is currently expected to be largely normal, but parts of the Paris transit network will be affected by station closures and the demonstration.

Give yourself extra time, keep an eye on live transit updates and don't make a noon lunch reservation across town with a 20-minute connection at Bastille. Paris will still be there Wednesday.

Frequently Asked Questions: France Strike September 29

When is the France public sector strike?

The nationwide strike is planned for Tuesday, September 29, 2026. RATP's strike on Paris transit starts the evening of September 28 and has no set end date.

Will the Paris metro be running during the strike?

Yes, but some stations along the demonstration route will close beginning at noon. Trains will pass through those stations without stopping, and connections won't be available until police authorize them to reopen.

Will trains in France be affected?

Most trains should run normally. SNCF says TGV and Intercités service will operate as usual, while TER service should be close to normal. Disruptions are expected mainly on RER C, D and E and Transilien lines R and V.

Where is the Paris demonstration on September 29?

The march runs from Place de la République to Place de la Nation by way of Bastille. Expect crowds and road closures in that part of eastern Paris.

Can I still get to Charles de Gaulle Airport during the strike?

Yes, but check your route before leaving. RER B, which serves Charles de Gaulle, is not currently among the lines SNCF lists for strike-related disruptions on September 29, although separate delays or planned works can still affect service. Leave extra time and check RATP before heading to the airport.

Is it safe for Americans to travel to France right now?

France is under a Level 2 travel advisory, meaning Americans should exercise increased caution. The embassy recommends monitoring local news and planning alternate routes on strike days.