Strikes in France on September 10th are the subject of alarming rumors for tourists in Paris or those who need to travel in France on that date and in the days surrounding it. Here is what we know 15 days in advance about the strike/mobilization organized in a tense social and budgetary context.
To know more about strikes in France, click on “Strikes in France: Impact on Tourists & Travel Disruptions in Paris“
Origin and context of the strikes in France on September 10th
The “Bloquons tout” (or “Let’s block everything on Septembre 10th”) movement was born in July 2025 on social media and a Telegram channel, initially in anonymous sovereigntist circles before spreading widely in the press.
It was created in response to the Bayrou government’s drastic austerity plan of €43 to €44 billion, which included the elimination of two public holidays (Easter Monday and May 8), cuts in public services, and a freeze on pensions.
Objectives and methods of action during the strikes in France on September 10th
The movement is calling for a total shutdown of the country, refusing to work, consume, send children to school, or use transportation. Several forms of protest are suggested:
- Boycott of major retailers (Carrefour, Auchan, Amazon), withdrawal of money from traditional banks, refusal to consume (gasoline, fast fashion, Uber, etc.), etc.
- Civil disobedience: strikes in public services (transport, health, education), occupation of public buildings, slowdowns in production
An interactive map published on the movement’s website (before it was taken down) showed planned gatherings in many French cities.
Support and position of trade unions
The movement is unstructured for the moment, with no official trade union or political affiliation, and is organized horizontally.
Despite this lack of formal structure, several political forces have lent their support:
- The leftist party “La France Insoumise (LFI)”, with calls to join the mobilization.
- The “Greens” and the “Communist Party” (PCF) have also expressed their support
- The Socialist Party, meanwhile, is observing without committing, while François Hollande (former President of the Republic and Socialist) is distancing himself, highlighting the movement’s lack of control and clarity
- Several unions have issued strike notices covering September or the period from September 1 to November 30 (!), but no specific notice has been filed for September 10 by any union
- The sectors most likely to be affected are: rail (CGT, Sud-Rail Unions), energy (EDF with CGT and ), pharmacies, and the hospital sector (in particular in Paris wirh AP-HP).
Public perceptions of the strikes in France on September 10th
According to a Toluna–Harris Interactive poll for RTL published on August 22, 63% of French people support this blockade movement, while 26% oppose it and 11% are indifferent.
What to expect on September 10?
According to media outlets such, it looks like it will be a difficult day in the Île-de-France region: general strike, major transport disruptions, possible school closures, slowdowns in public services.
It should also be difficult in and around France’s major urban areas.
Furthermore, if you are traveling, expect long waits and canceled transportation services.
1. Public transport in Paris
- Metro/RER (Île-de-France)
- High turnout expected at RATP and SNCF.
- Risk of entire lines being closed and reduced service, especially during rush hour.
- Some automatic lines (metro lines 1 and 14) should be running but will be very crowded.
2. Long-distance trains (SNCF) between French towns
- TGV, Intercités, and TER services will be severely disrupted.
- Expect last-minute cancellations.
- More information on “Railroad strikes from May 5 to 11, 2025: what forecasts?“
3. Airplanes and airports
- Risk of delays and cancellations if air traffic controllers join the strike.
- Check your flight the day before on the airport or airline website.
4. Healthcare and public services
- Hospitals and pharmacies: minimum service guaranteed (emergencies covered), but delays are possible.
- Post offices, tax offices, government offices: closed or reduced hours.
5. Consumption and retail : Calls for boycotts of supermarkets and major retailers.
- Some gas stations and logistics chains may experience delays.
- Plan ahead by shopping the day before.
Protests and roadblocks – Map of protests: what we know
We know that rallies and blockades are expected in major French cities, including Paris, where key areas such as République, Bastille, and Nation are often mentioned as potential mobilization points. Sectors such as train stations (SNCF), RER and Metro, hospitals, pharmacies, gas stations, and even strategic roadways are also affected by calls for strikes or blockades.
Traffic disruptions: consider cycling, walking, or working from home.
Potential blockage points in Paris:
- Large squares and intersections (République, Bastille, Nation in Paris)
- Main train stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Montparnasse also in Paris)
- RER and Metro Paris subways
- Airports (Roissy, Orly) and main roads (particularly ring roads arouns towns)
- Ring road of Paris (Paris gates: Porte de la Chapelle, Porte de Vincennes, etc.)
- Logistics centers, fuel depots, supermarkets
- Schools (high schools targeted by the USL)
- Hospitals and pharmacies
Practical tips during the strikes in France on September 10th
- Check in real time on:
- RATP.fr (metro/bus)
- SNCF Connect (trains)
- Bison Futé (road traffic).
- Do your shopping on the evening of September 9 latest.
- Download alternative mobility apps (Vélib’, Dott, Tier, Blablacar Daily).
- If you have to travel far, plan ahead and leave the day before or the day after.