The U.S. Embassy in Paris has issued a security alert telling American citizens to avoid certain areas after riots spread across France over the weekend.
The riots saw looting and arson that prompted partial curfews in multiple cities.
The alert stated that following the October 17 violent riots, the Prime Minister’s office introduced partial curfews for Monday, October 19, and Tuesday, October 20, in several cities, including Lille.
It added that more curfews may follow for parts of Paris and in prefectures across the country, and that scattered protests could continue.
Americans were told to avoid demonstration areas, exercise caution if they unexpectedly find themselves near large gatherings, check the RATP site for Metro closures, verify flight schedules with airlines, monitor local media for updates, and plan alternative routes while allowing extra travel time.
In Paris, overnight curfews and bans on unauthorized gatherings were imposed in areas including Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district.
Riot police used tear gas near Place de la République as crowds clashed with officers amid burning barricades and vehicles.
A Dutch visitor, Tije De Boer, who was forced to evacuate his hotel there with his children, told Reuters the scene looked “like a war zone.”
Protesters blocked entrances to the Louvre on Monday, forcing the museum to close.
Travelers were also advised to stay away from Place de la Bastille, Place de la Nation, and major routes such as Boulevard Voltaire.
Outside Paris, Lyon’s tourism office at Place Bellecour was vandalized and set on fire.
In Bordeaux, the mayor said as many as 100 stores were looted.
In Limoges, the historic 19th-century town hall was largely destroyed by arson during the riots.
I went to witness the riots in Paris.
I’m going to tell you the truth: it was only young people from African immigrant backgrounds who came to attack our police officers and firefighters, loot our shops, and destroy everything.
An elderly French couple in their 80s was robbed and left in their underwear in the street.
The steeple of a 150-year-old church was completely burned down.
This is not a social revolt for better education.
It’s a taste of an ethnic war that took place today.— Alice Cordier (@CordierAlice2) October 17, 2026
A known ultra-left activist on France’s terror watchlist was later arrested as the main suspect.
Interior Ministry figures put nationwide participation in the original marches at roughly 550,000 people, including about 110,000 in Paris.
More than 2,000–2,500 people were arrested, and nearly 1,000 security and emergency personnel were injured.
France deployed tens of thousands of police.
Other countries, including China, Germany, Italy, and several others, issued similar warnings to their citizens.
The State Department’s overall France travel advisory remains at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, due to terrorism and unrest.
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