Is Paris Safe Right Now? What I Saw on a Bike from Bastille to the Opera
Is Paris safe right now? On Thursday, October 22, 2026, five days after the riots and looting of Saturday, October 17, we rode a bike across Paris starting at Place de la Bastille to show you what the city really looks like, without the news filter. If you have a trip coming up and you are wondering whether it is okay to travel to Paris, this ride is for you.
What we saw on the ride
We started at Place de la Bastille, one of the hot spots during Saturday’s protests. From there we rode through the city, and along the way you will see the places where the cleanup is still underway and the places where Paris is already back to its normal rhythm. We finished in Saint-Germain, where tourists and families were out and people were simply going about their day.
Our honest take
Saturday’s rioting was bad, and we will not pretend otherwise. It was also limited to a handful of hot spots. The places most visitors come to see are open, and Paris is cleaning up and moving on. Should you cancel your trip? That is your call. Personally, we would not.
Protest and strike dates to know
- Saturday, October 24, 2026: another demonstration has been called, with the official route set from Place de la Bastille to Place de la Nation.
- Thursday, November 5, 2026: a general strike. Expect the metro, trains and likely the airport to be affected.
- For official guidance, check the State Department and your embassy.
These dates were correct when the video was filmed, so always check the latest news before you travel. If the strike affects your arrival, booking one of our recommended Paris airport transfers saves you from relying on trains that day. Our day-to-day recommendations are on our Paris app, and our Paris Guide Bundle will help you plan the rest of your stay. When you are ready to get out and enjoy the city, here are our recommended Paris guided tours.