Paris Update: What to expect if visiting soon
Paris' monuments and sights are reopening.
Just a few days after the horrific attacks in Paris, tourism in the city is getting back on its feet. As of November 18th, major attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Luxembourg Gardens are operating as usual. Museums and monuments are for the most part open. Even Disneyland reopened today and is back to normal.
Paris, however, is not back to the normal that it knew before November 13th – its citizens are profoundly changed by the events that were a direct assault on culture and life here. If anything they are more defiant than ever. On November 17th a social media movement called #TousauBistrot (“Everyone to the Bistro”) was a push to go out and dine, to support local businesses, to enjoy living. Profoundly wounded, Paris will not be kept down for long.
Related: We’re with you, Paris.
Will the casual tourist, however, even notice any big changes? Probably not. There’s no reason to cancel a trip to Paris since security is basically as tight as it could possibly be. But there are a few things to keep in mind while traveling Paris. They include:
1. Check for updates before visiting big sights
Most cultural sights are operational, however things can change. On November 18th, for example, the historic Saint Denis Basilica, final resting place of French kings and queens, was closed due to a police operation in the vicinity.
We suggest verifying that any monument or museum is open before heading out to visit. Updates by the Center for National Monuments on Twitter (@LeCMN) are probably the most reliable. Here are some other websites and Twitter accounts worth checking in with:
- Charles De Gaulle airport: Website | Twitter
- City of Paris (in French): Website | Twitter
- Eiffel Tower: Website
- Louvre: Website | Twitter
- Musee d’Orsay: Website | Twitter
- Notre Dame: Website | Twitter
- Palace of Versailles: Website | Twitter
- Paris Metro: Website | Twitter
- Sacre-Coeur Basilica: Website
Also, check out this page on the Paris city website which includes the open status for a long list of cultural, administrative and educational institutions.
2. Transportation
The Metro and trains are mostly back to normal, barring any further police raids. Tourists shouldn’t feel any changes getting around the city. Give yourself plenty of time, however, when coming and going through the city’s two main airports, Charles De Gaulle and Orly, as security measures have been increased.
Trains stations are operating as normal, although expect to see a much higher police and military presence. Starting in 2016, the SNCF, France’s national train system, will begin experimenting with metal detectors in train stations, but don’t expect airport-like security anytime soon.
3. Christmas and holiday festivities
The Ferris wheel and Christmas market on the Champs Elysées are opened as planned on November 18th. The lighting ceremony, however, has been indefinitely postponed. For tourists, however, it’s business as usual at these seasonal attractions.
4. State of Emergency
Tourists don’t have to worry about this on a practical level. The debate over the “state of emergency” is really about the French president changing the French constitution’s parameters for power during a state of emergency. We won’t bore you, just know that this shouldn’t manifest in any specific way for a tourist visiting the city.
5. Police presence
Just like after the Charlie Hebdo attacks, tourists today will be greeted by ramped up security in Parisian streets. President Hollande has created 5,000 more police positions following the recent attacks. Around Place de la République, the memorial site where mourners have placed thousands of flowers and candles, you’ll really notice the security. As the media circus calms down, the square should slowly return to its role as a skate park for local teens.
6. Be prepared
I had dinner with two clients who I toured with last week. They told me that on Saturday, while dining in a restaurant in the heart of the city, the owners rushed everyone into a back room during an incident in the streets. They said they stayed back there while service continued, finishing up their dessert when they learned it was all just a false alarm. Many are still on edge, so just be prepared should something unexpected happen.
It’s a good idea to check out the website of your embassy before heading over and once on the ground. The US Embassy in Paris website contains updated information for travelers on this situation, and encourages American travelers to enroll in the free STEP program, which can send travelers alerts in the case of an emergency.
7. Be respectful
Place de la République has become a memorial, but the attack sites are also covered with flowers, flags, candles, and notes. Most are off the casual tourist’s radar, but if you do go to visit them, we encourage you to be respectful. It sounds silly, but just keep it in mind. These are emotional places, so be sure to treat them with solemnity. Take photos, sure, but keep in mind that it’s a place of mourning for many.
We’ll keep you updated if anything should change in Paris, but knowing that tourists will keep coming to Paris is sure to help the healing process here. This is probably the first time when Parisians and tourists alike will actually be comforted by seeing long lines at Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.
About the author
The failure of European countries to make luggage safety checks on trains has always been my biggest concern about traveling in Europe. There’s nothing to prevent anyone from bringing a suitcase bomb onboard a train, stashing it in the rack, and getting off at the next stop. I’m going to Europe for several months soon and for the first time I’m going to fly from place to place as much as possible so I can avoid the trains.
Libbie