This weekend, two female travelers were caught on video threading through active Paris street protests in France with their luggage in tow, seemingly undeterred that they strolled through a riot. Others also seemed determined not to miss out on their vacation in France. Read on for more details.
Ignoring Travel Warnings?
On October 6, Travel News Paths reported that folks visiting France should be aware that the riots, which started with student protests, had spread across various cities in France. The outlet suggested that “If you encounter police activity, demonstrations, or large crowds, it’s best to move away from the area.”
Well, travel warnings don’t always land very well with travelers, and clearly there are folks out there who don’t worry too much about them. Some folks initially questioned whether the tourists walking the streets were locals or visitors.
Casually Dining Out
The Guardian reported on a couple who “were seen enjoying a drink near the Arc de Triomphe on Saturday, close to where some of the main rioting took place in central Paris.”
Notably, “Flames from a burning bin could be seen in the background as the pair dined on a cafe terrace.” But with the two women walking through the streets dragging their suitcases they were apparently visitors.
The Two Women
L’Est Républicain described them as “deux touristes en vacances à Paris.” Essentially, they were visiting Paris and found themselves dragging their suitcases through the middle of the October 17 demonstrations while apparently trying to find their way.
Obviously, it’s not a great idea wandering through social unrest especially as they seem to be escalating. Still, what is a girl to do? Have ticket, will travel, it seems.
When @PBDPodcast, hosted by Patrick Bet-David, shared the video of the women strolling around the streets, plenty of folks were able to weigh in with their thoughts.
One of them wrote, “…brother was there at the beginning of the riots and he said it was scary as a MF.”
Here are a few more observations by viewers:
- “I’m not sure they’re enjoying themselves.”
- “Situational awareness of a pair of chairs.”
- “It looks like they got wrapped up in the chaos! And trying to get away is what it looks like.”
- “That can’t be real! You think we’re stupid…”
The Riots Are Real
Unfortunately, it is very real. France has been gripped by riots since mid-September when a walkout over underfunded education at Lycée Saint-Exupéry in Créteil escalated into a widespread French political crisis, marked by riots, looting, and violent standoffs with law enforcement.
CBC confirmed that “The confrontations left parts of Paris looking like a war zone.”
Your thoughts on the two women wandering the streets in Paris, France while a riot went on around them? Join the discussion and then come back for more travel news and updates.