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Unrest in France: What UK Families and Schools Need to Know

Protests that began with pupils blockading their schools have spread across France, and some towns now have night-time curfews. Here's what it means for half-term travel, school trips and conversations at home.

Travel21 Oct 20265 min read

Updated Wednesday 21 October 2026. This is a fast-moving situation. Always check the latest FCDO advice before you travel.

What's happening

In mid-September, pupils near Paris began blocking the gates of their lycées (upper secondary schools for pupils aged about 15 to 18) in protest at overcrowded classes, missing teachers and run-down buildings. The blockades spread quickly. In early October hundreds of schools were closed, and the government suspended secondary classes for the rest of that week.

Some protests turned violent, with fires at schools and clashes with police. Thousands of people have been arrested, most of them under 18, and some teenagers have been seriously hurt. Over the weekend of 17 and 18 October, wider protests about the cost of living ended in rioting and looting in several cities, including Paris.

On 19 October, France's prime minister ordered local curfews. Some towns and city districts now have night-time curfews, and a few apply only to under-18s. They can be brought in or changed at short notice. French schools are on their autumn holiday until early November, so the school blockades have paused for now, but protests in town and city centres may continue.

Is it safe to travel?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has not advised against travel to France. On 19 October it updated its advice to warn that local curfews may be introduced at short notice. It says to check local media, follow the instructions of the local authorities, and remember that demonstrations can start with little or no warning, particularly in cities.

Most trips are going ahead, but expect some disruption: transport, museums and city-centre streets can close at short notice.

If your child is going on a school trip or exchange

It's reasonable to ask the trip leader a few questions before your child goes:

  • How are you keeping up with the advice? Ask how the school will decide whether the trip goes ahead, and how it will tell families if plans change.
  • What about curfews? Some curfews apply only to under-18s. Ask whether any are in place where the group is staying, and how evening activities will change.
  • What's the plan if there's a protest nearby? Groups should stay away from demonstrations and crowds, and have a meeting point and a way to reach every pupil.
  • What does the insurance cover? Ask what happens if part of the trip is cancelled or the group needs to come home early.
  • How will you keep in touch? Check the school has your current mobile number, and ask whether there will be daily updates.

If you're travelling as a family this half-term

  • Check before you go, and again on the day. Read the FCDO's France travel advice. You can sign up there for email alerts when it changes.
  • Know the local rules. Check local news and ask your accommodation about curfews where you're staying. A curfew for under-18s may apply to visiting children too.
  • Steer clear of protests. Avoid gatherings, even peaceful ones, and move away if a crowd starts to build. Police may use tear gas.
  • Check your insurance. Because the FCDO hasn't advised against travel, cancelling because you're worried may not be covered. Read your policy and talk to your travel company before you decide.
  • Save the numbers. In France, call 112 for the emergency services (or 18 for the fire service). For urgent help from the UK government, the British Embassy in Paris can be contacted 24/7 through the British Consulate Paris page on GOV.UK.
Before you set offMake sure everyone in the family knows where you're staying, has a charged phone, and knows to call 112 in an emergency in France.

Talking with children about the pictures

Children may have seen videos of fires and police in riot gear, sometimes involving young people their own age. Keep it simple and calm: some pupils in France were protesting about their schools, some of the protests became violent, and adults are working to keep people safe. Our guide to talking with children about frightening news has more ideas.

If your child is worried about an upcoming trip, talk it through together and pass their questions on to the school.

If you or your child need supportYoung people can talk to Childline for free on 0800 1111. Parents worried about a child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. In an emergency in the UK, call 999.

Sources

Details are as reported up to 21 October 2026 and may change. Check the FCDO's France travel advice for the latest.

This post is general information. Your school's own plan comes first, so ask the school office for its procedures.