Visiting Paris next week, will the transport strike affect me?

Question

Planning a Paris visit for a few days next week. There is an ongoing strike by the transport services across France, and I heard Paris Metro is also affected.

In a worst-case scenario, do you reckon I could cover the essentials on foot? How big is it? I plan to stay for 4 days.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I am in Paris right now, and the strike is over. I took several buses today and it was fine. I don't think it will start over next week. That's not what the media says at the moment anyway.

The only strike there is now is the students' strike, and some universities are affected. The Sorbonne was completely closed today.

Answer 2

If the strike hasn't ended by the time of your trip, don't go at all.  The city is completely paralyzed by the strikers.  Road traffic is even worse than the normal daily nightmare - it just isn't moving.  No you cannot cover it on foot; even if you could walk so far every day for your entire stay, you would have no time to do anything else.

Answer 3

It is likely the strike will be over by next week. New negotiating sessions are happening at this moment. On the other hand there have been acts of violent sabotage directed at the TGV lines overnite so anything can happen.

The Metro is severely affected and only line 14, which is automated, is running at normal rates.

Never fear tho because Paris is a very compact and walkable city.  almost all the major tourist sights are in a narrow band on either side of the Seine. A really fit person could walk a route to see them all in a day and even an decrepit old codger like me can cover it in four days.

Answer 4

It might affect you, hard to predict. The main problem would be having to get to Paris from the airport. Otherwise, once you are in Paris, you can walk to most interesting places or rent a bike (vélib'). You should be able to find a few metros anyway. Hitch (won't get you places any faster but at least you'll be warm and will get plenty of time to talk with a local). I enjoy walking so I find it walkable even though it is quite big. It all depends on how much you enjoy walking. 3/4 of attractions are along the river. You can also try the river bus Batobus: http://www.batobus.com/

Addition: then if you are arriving with the Eurostar, no reason to worry! Except that it arrives in a not so good district of Paris so don't stay in the area too long if you are arriving after dark. Take a métro if there are some otherwise walk south to a better district or take a taxi.

Have fun in Paris!