Is Paris Safe Right Now?

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Is Paris Safe Right Now?

Рет қаралды 85,315

Күн бұрын

Is Paris safe? Yes. That doesn't mean you shouldn't keep your wits about you. Grab an updated copy of my guide to Paris at go.parisinmypo... and help me make better videos at / jayswanson then find me on the internet in all of the usual spots:
Get a copy of my book on how I got to Paris here: amzn.to/3LoYuDi
Follow me here:
/ jayonaboat
/ jayswanson
wlo.link/@jays...
Music by: Sir Nicolas, J(X), Dead Guy, Ayveator, & The CoLab 4
Lindsey's Podcast on the pension reforms and strikes in Paris (The New Paris Podcast): open.spotify.c...
Guide Redesign by Matt Moffatt at wearealmanac.com
Overall Paris is a wonderful and safe city to visit. It comes with big city problems, like petty crime and all sorts of congestion, but it's worth a visit almost any time of year. Strikes in Paris or no.
My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa and hoping to make the city of light my home base - at least for the foreseeable future. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much.
Links below to Amazon are affiliate links - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)
00:00 Intro
00:46 Is Paris safe?
03:12 Should you cancel?
07:10 Navigating strikes
10:57 Protest hot spots
14:55 Exciting News!
FAQ:
How long have you lived in France? Over five years now, holy cow.
What do you miss most about ho- NACHOS
You're always talking about living on some ship. WHAT SHIP? - I made a "Draw My Life" video that explains a lot here: • Draw My Life
Where are you from originally? - Pullman, Washington - a small university/agricultural town near Idaho (and yes, the potatoes are amazing).
What do you film with? - I've made a lot of changes recently, but I try to keep my gear list up to date if you want to see what I use and buy some for yourself: bit.ly/JaysGear...
What do you edit with? - Adobe Premiere - it's pretty much all I've ever used since high school.
Aren't you ever freaked out by leaving your camera behind to film yourself? - Yep. But not too badly - I tend to be careful when I do.
Why are you living in #Paris? - Because I've always wanted to; I feel at home here: • Why I Want to Live in ...
Do you speak French? - Oui. • Un Jour en Francais (E...
Do you make money off KZfaq? - Ha, sorta. I wish. It took me over 500 videos to make my first total $100 off adsense. I think it will slowly change, but VERY slowly.
I really enjoy your videos, how can I support you? - The easiest and best way to support me is through Patreon, where you can pitch in as little as $5/mo to help me make better videos: / jayswanson
I don't trust this Patreon thing - can I just paypal you? - Here's my ko-fi if that's your thing (and coffee is your game): ko-fi.com/jays...
But I want to send you something tangible! - I do have a wishlist on Amazon, though it's a bit complicated with the international shipping situation. So instead people often drop off or ship things to the Peloton Cafe in Paris for me.
Thanks for watching!

Пікірлер: 322

@jlasf Жыл бұрын

Just left Paris after 10 days there. Totally agree with others. Aware of actions, but didn’t affect my stay. Metro was out one day. No big deal. Vive la France 🇫🇷

@joshuaculbreth1938 Жыл бұрын

I just took my wife for her first visit. We were just there June 14th - 17th. We had an amazing time. The French people, food, and atmosphere were amazing. We have already made plans to return in April 2024. Love the videos J.

@stephanief.7416 Жыл бұрын

I was just in Paris for a week, including on a strike day, and can confirm Jay’s advice is legitimate! We stayed in the Louvre area and just avoided the areas where protests were taking place.

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

If you smell tear gas, mosey on the other way 😆

@stephanief.7416 Жыл бұрын

@@JaySwanson bahahah exactly

@JeffNealsPlace Жыл бұрын

We are in Paris right now. First time here, totally loving it. Saw a housing protest today. Parisians and the French are awesome! Viva lá 🇫🇷!!

@AnneMB955 Жыл бұрын

I so agree. French are great. There in 17 days. Have a wonderful time and revisit. 👏

@onyeenoma Жыл бұрын

Viva? 😂

@lawandajohnson4404 Жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you did this. I’m planning on booking for this fall and we were wondering if we should. I also agree about seeing a counselor. I am a counselor and when I lost my mom almost two years ago I sought grief counseling and took a five week vacation to Europe. I was in Paris last year on the one year anniversary of my mom’s passing. It was beyond therapeutic.

@Stardust_4 Жыл бұрын

Just came back from Paris. I live in London and trust me it's not as bad as the media is portraying it. Not even close. Just walk the other way if you see a bunch of people

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

There's always a different bakery we can get to =D

@nickpapagiorgio5056 Жыл бұрын

Jay I’m so glad to be back it’s been awhile was on a work detail for 6 months in Portugal and I have a lot of vlogs to catch up on I want to mention that I used Paris in my pocket while visiting the city last month and could not have enough nice things to say about it if I tried it is AMAZING for Paris beginners like myself all the way up to experts like you I think anyone can find something in that amazing tribute to Paris. Also You explain things so perfectly idk how you talk so well but my hat goes off to you sir!

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you're back! And happy I could be of help with your trip 🍻

@blueradish9341 Жыл бұрын

When I went to Paris a few years ago (pre-pandemic), one of the greatest appeals to me was the sheer beauty and charm of the city. If that is one of the strong pulls for you, I would recommend waiting until the garbage situation was fully taken care of. So many of my vacation photos were of charming, clean streets… a stinking pile of garbage bags would be devastating. I didn’t even find paris to be “stinky” at all when I went, it was actually quite clean (I can only speak to the first 8 arrondissements, as well as Montmartre - they were all clean, not smelly, and beautiful). All in all, if you’re someone who doesn’t have the luxury of just going to Paris again in a few years if a trip in the next few weeks turns out to be subpar… I’d wait and rebook my trip. It’s a truly beautiful city when the streets are not turned into a trash bin. If as Jay suggests that the trash problem will be taken care of soon, I’d say that’s fine to go after the trash is gone.

@ebeyslough Жыл бұрын

We stayed at the Moxy's Bastille on March 23 where it was about 2 blocks from the epicenter of the protest route. The side streets were completely quiet and car free. The rest of the city was totally navigable. People carry on with wine and dinner. We saw police chasing a few protestors near the Louvre but as soon as they saw people sitting at cafes having dinner they stopped chasing and everyone just carried on like nothing happened.

@lori-josherwin-laing3355 Жыл бұрын

This is actually an amazing democracy at work when you think about it!

@bfloris8650 Жыл бұрын

I’m glad your making this video!. The media definitely has been sensationalizing what’s going on in Paris. I just got back from Paris this week and yes the garbage was less than ideal, but if there was a protest in the area I was in, I would switch up my plans and explore another area. Just be flexible with your plans and mange your expectations. In the end, it’s Paris and it’s really a joy to just be there! On the note of transportation, if the RER B to and from the airport is on strike, the Roissy Bus goes from the Opera to CDG and is a great alternative. The Bonjour RATP is a great APP that helps with transportation plans and gives alternate routes when a strike or closure is happening. I used it constantly when I was in Paris

@andyshacks7812 Жыл бұрын

Well said Jay! Protests can happen in any big city anywhere and like you said it’s a matter of just having your wits about you and adapting as situations evolve. Your updated guide looks great! Will give it a try at upgrading!

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I hope you enjoy the upgrade! The appropriate discount codes should be out tomorrow. 🥂🥂

@oyiegeronimo Жыл бұрын

I followed you from at least 5 years ago (but was too cheap to join your Patreon). Even tried to meet you and bring you salsa but you were not in town. That said, I’ve moved from SF to closer to you. And I have not watched you in awhile. You’re so fancy now!!! So happy for you.

@mannyg9315 Жыл бұрын

Very good points Jay! I just got back to Arizona on Sunday from a weeks-long vacation in Paris. Strikes were happening, we were told, but never actually saw them. Trash was piling in certain areas of the city, not all. Life in a big city. Never felt unsafe at any time of day or in any area we visited and we were all over the city. Public transportation was in service at all metro stations and bus stops we used and it was our main source of transportation. We had such a great week, we weren't ready to leave. Take your trip and enjoy every part of the city. Life has minor inconveniences at any time and in all cities. Enjoy Paris and stop watching the news and FB feeds please!!

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

Definitely a solid argument for news and social media skepticism right there. Glad you had such a great trip!

@traceefitzpatrick1093 Жыл бұрын

I just came back from my first ever visit to Paris. We had a great trip and never felt unsafe. We saw some police presence but no riots. A little less availability of some public transport..but definitely manageable. Take your trip folks!

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you had a good time!

@yiselstar1789 Жыл бұрын

I’ll be there in June! Was a little worried but wouldn’t let it stop me from still going.

@TheKyleLund Жыл бұрын

It’s been great here, weather is cooler so even the odour from the garbage isn’t that bad and, as Jay says, it’s not everywhere. Paris a real city in the real world so come visit, accept, observe, grow and enjoy.

@cindyhartigan8984 Жыл бұрын

Can confirm, just left France a few days ago. It was just a bit of a pain in the butt. Still had a great visit!

@lauracastillo7087 Жыл бұрын

Oh I would’ve loved to see this video few days ago, but luckily we didn’t cancel our trip, we’ve been to Paris last week and everything was absolutely fine. Yes, there are tons of rubbish on some neighborhoods, we stayed at the Notre Dame area and the struggle was real 🫣 but other than that (the trash problem), all good. The are lots of police on the streets, we didn’t feel unsafe. Don’t cancel your trip to Paris! 💫🙌🏻

@latoyabaker6302 Жыл бұрын

My husband and I just cancel our paris trip. We decided to go to Dubai instead. We will do Paris next year

@jonb6133 Жыл бұрын

I just got back from an amazing trip to Paris. We almost canceled...so glad we didn't. We saw lots of police going places, and some trash here and there, but that's it. Protests were happening, but we stayed away from those areas. Ask your hotel front desk where to avoid.

@barbaracooper767 Жыл бұрын

Hi - It’s April 1st, just got back from Paris last night. Would never have considered canceling our trip because of protesting or trash. We had an amazing trip as anticipated. One of our tours was canceled due to protesting so we shuffled our days and it was still grand. We never felt concerned about safety- when my husband needed to do some work I would walk around by myself with no concerns. The protests we watched were literally more like parades with good dance music ( if they would have sold drinks on the sidewalk it would have been festive!) Don’t get me wrong, I am not under playing their political issues- it just didn’t change our vacation. The trash issue was evident in some arrondissements but not all. We did see trash pick up. Paris is an incredible city , we could not have enjoyed our trip more. Past thankful we went. Stayed in two different Airbnbs in two different areas over 8 days. Fabulous trip. You won’t be disappointed. Glorious city and people ❤

@Anyatash123 Жыл бұрын

Glorious people 😂full of third world people from all over the world 😅

@jayfrei Жыл бұрын

On our way at the end of April and this video was super helpful, thank you. Loved the shot of the angle of the fire that photographers were getting in front of the Arc, lol.

@stevebarnas4653 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your opinions Jay, it’s excellent to get your view from the ground in Paris.

@russwoodward8917 Жыл бұрын

Heading that way next month, more worried about lack of transportation due to strikes, than worried about my safety

@ReticulatingSplines_ Жыл бұрын

I was there during a transit strike. Luckily it's so walkable and also, taxis.

@susangalpin4967 Жыл бұрын

I was there for the first 3 days of the strike. All safe from my viewpoint. Just had to reschedule my train from Aix to Paris.

@danieli.9252 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the free update to the guide! I bought the prior version a few weeks ago, so this was a nice surprise. Hope to see you on the streets in Paris soon!

@telly2timess Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!! I’ll be there this weekend and I cannot wait!

@mmaxx8771 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. I am heading over in a few days and have not even thought of canceling. Viva la France!

@Vesalius4us Жыл бұрын

Still looking forward to spending a few days in town next week and visiting Le Peloton Café .. all the best to you and your friends Jay!

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

Have a great time!

@Rick-hh5de Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Info JAY, flying into CDG on 01 April for a week..

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

And that's no joke! =D Have the best trip!

@Rick-hh5de Жыл бұрын

@@JaySwanson Been to Paris many times, love the vibe, culture and the history ain't bad either..

@warrenvanwyk6249 Жыл бұрын

Cancel? Hell no! I'm arriving on the 3rd of April & I'm off the plane straight to the protest to take part. I've heard their holding cells serve the best food... IN THE WORLD.

@Bntyhunt Жыл бұрын

Just picked up your 2023 Guide. Great job! We're visiting in May and with your help, I'm sure we will have a great time!

@brianreyes2891 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info, it made us feel at ease about going to Paris. We were there for 5 days and enjoyed every moment. The Parisians only protested for an afternoon while we were there but we just stayed away from those areas and we were fine. I hope to make it back sooner rather than later.

@DerekKerton Жыл бұрын

It is important for travelers to understand that in Paris the protest marches follow a pre-planned route, which is coordinated in advance with the city. It's way less chaotic and spontaneous than it appears on the news. If you don't want to see the marches, you just avoid that area on that day. Shops will be closed, subway stations locked up, all along the protest route, but everywhere else, the situation is rather normal.

@kamertonaudiophileplayer847 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for confirming that journalists always try to make a big fire from one small spark.

@TWK421 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jay! Headed over next month for a croissant and I prefer them without pepper spray.

@valerieroberts8241 Жыл бұрын

LOL!

@savorsalvagescent2300 Жыл бұрын

Hi there!! I am an American + just enjoyed 2 weeks of vacation in Paris. I really enjoy your channel + take on things, and your experience you are sharing here is very much what I saw while visiting (and like you, some loved ones from the States were texting so concerned due to some overdramatization via the media). I was amazed at the difference between the trash where I stayed (Latin Q-so much trash) and more affluent areas (like, near the Orsay). I definitely think it is a different kind of concern in the US because of how things escalate to violence differently. Thanks for this-sharing it w/others.

@chanel5coco Жыл бұрын

This is because some arrondissements have private service which was not affected by the strike while others of ours are public. Almost all the trash is gone now.

@savorsalvagescent2300 Жыл бұрын

@@chanel5coco I wondered, thank you/merci!

@chanel5coco Жыл бұрын

avec plaisir

@kriksizanderson5471 Жыл бұрын

I like your point about wanting to have a relaxing vacation but instead stressing about traveling and your safety in a foreign country.

@aeolia80 Жыл бұрын

I lived in Oakland for quite a few years and near Berkeley also, and I usually avoided protests in those towns because I found them to be a bit overwhelming and that they could spiral at any moment. So my first real protest on a large scale that I witnessed was in Seoul when the citizens were trying to get Bak Geun-hye out of office. I wasn't allowed to join in the protest because I was technically a government employee and I could've gotten deported. But witnessing it was kinda magical. It was mostly done at night and everyone was holding a candle and there were the drummers hitting these large drums on a platform keeping everyone in sync. The protests here in France are quite a bit more rowdy than the ones I experienced in Korea, but they are "peaceful" in the same way that I saw in Korea, they are nothing like what I saw in Berkeley or Oakland

@aeolia80 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, there's always something going on at Trocadero, one time I was there showing my cousins around and there was a protest against President Erdogan, Turkish president, by I think by the Kurdish community in Paris over human rights violations, only 50 people at the most. But there's always something going on.

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

Trocadero is always a weird collection of "Wait, you're protesting whom for what?" I feel like I learn something every time I wander through there.

@Anyatash123 Жыл бұрын

@@JaySwanson you are obviously not in Paris, Paris is become very dangerous and expensive city to live, lots of third world people that ruined the city, unfortunately but Paris in not the French city anymore , looks like your America now a melting pot

@lepetitchat123 Жыл бұрын

My phone was stolen by a pickpocket during the strikes. I would worry more about the pickpockets than the protests as a tourist. What is the most annoying about the strikes is it would disrupt your travel plans. I had to cancel /reschedule a few trips outside Paris. Commuting would take you much longer than usual. Buses would become even more unreliable than usual. I ran into a couple of protests where crowds were marching on the streets, not violent at all. I think the protesters tend to get violent at night, and it never bothered me because I mostly stay home in the evenings. The garbage situation is annoying too, but not to the point of blocking the sidewalks. But where I stayed had narrow sidewalks, so trying to dodge dog poo and garbage was unpleasant for me lol. Overall, visiting Paris in March 2023 was quite a reality check for me.

@roykenyon886 Жыл бұрын

A+ Jay, Paris at it's best. Still a great place to visit any time of the year.

@ronniesherpalee4150 Жыл бұрын

Coming April 29th for my first time. I will just pull up my baklava and holler Viva Lafraaaance as I roll through Paris…Merci

@ExpatPlans365 Жыл бұрын

Compared to New York City, Memphis and Chicago…I would say yes very safe 😂

@mor913 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the update and cautious. I pray the unrest gets lift and is people get what the want!

@FrenchMartini Жыл бұрын

The first time that I was in Paris was in 2004. The morning that we were leaving US President Bush was scheduled to arrive. The city that morning was shut down (some may remember but there was a very anti-French movement at the time due to the Iraqi war; "French Fries" were renamed "Freedom Fries"). Our hired car did not show up at the hotel and luckily the hotel receptionist found a tax willing to take us to the airport. At the airport, the police or military herded everyone over to one section of the terminal. And shots were fired! Good times, good times... Yay! Looking forward to buying and reading "the guide"!

@avrilperry8784 Жыл бұрын

Yes it's safe ❤ we are here it's the 28th march ....we have been to le marais, place dauphine, notra darm, saint germain des press ...yes there's rubbish but not that it spoils anything ...

@gullsrus Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video.its put me more at ease regarding getting around when strikes are taking place. Im arriving Friday for a week. Love your insights into Paris.

@itsloulu Жыл бұрын

Arriving Monday and glad to know that a lot of us are not canceling

@mbrolfe7504 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the update. A number of my friends are headed to France shortly for a river cruise and the fire setting/rock throwing etc videos are making the rounds in the US media. On a side note: got the link for your updated 2023 guide after purchasing the 2022 version and it downloaded without a hitch.

@emilspec1227 Жыл бұрын

They just announced that some waste collectors strike will end on Wednesday.

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

Things are already cleaning up =D

@rebeccabarnes1946 Жыл бұрын

I'm really glad you made this video. I literally just got back from Paris last night. It was great! I only saw rubbish once. The city was running smoothly, strikes didn't affect any of my plans and I only saw one small protest while waiting for a bus- a group of students singing in French outside what looked to be a college or university. I had a great time, felt totally safe and really enjoyed myself. Plus, the weather is great right now! Better than I remember it being around the same time of year when I went as a child.

@bethkramer4169 Жыл бұрын

Thank you❤

@mygoldenparis2898 Жыл бұрын

So relieved to see this video. We are going to Paris for 10 days next Sunday (30th). So looking forward to my first trip to Paris 🥳

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

Hope you have a great time!

@84kapuaa Жыл бұрын

We are here at the moment. Staying in the 3rd near the 11th and all safe for us so far. 5 nights and tonight is the last.

@JacksonAlexandra67 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for posting this! We are visiting the first week in May, just bought your guide! 🙌🏼

@escherstudios4587 Жыл бұрын

I love your attitude toward protesting. So many Americans are overly scared of non violent protest culture. My French teacher in high school would always talk about protests and how it was a huge part of culture. Now I understand much better how unique it is that French has a normalized protest culture.

@tbex613 Жыл бұрын

We're coming to Paris from NYC in a couple of weeks, and just the other day, I was joking that I would feel right at home with the trash piles in Paris considering massive bags of trash on the sidewalks here in New York are a sad fact of life on a NORMAL day, lol. Thanks for the excellent info :)

@tbarcode Жыл бұрын

I love how your videos arent self serving, they are holistic and feels really community driven because you love your city- that's why i subscribed initially and why i continue to listen to your vlogs ❤ keep on keeping on! Hopefully i will make it back again one day soon ! My leave balance and mortgage tell me otherwise tho 😅

@parisisima8934 Жыл бұрын

I admit I have not read all of the comments so apologies if someone else has already explained this. It's illegal to strike on a Monday or Friday so - particularly if you depend on public transport to reach your accommodation from the airport/train station - try to arrive in and leave Paris on a Monday or Friday (or at the weekend, but remember that on Sundays (and to a lesser extent Saturday) there can be work on the metro and trains which mean a reduced or even non existent service).

@LineHoude Жыл бұрын

Bravo....les français qui dénoncent les injustices ...!

@jeannamcgregor9967 Жыл бұрын

We arrived in Paris yesterday and the only thing we were truly concerned about was getting gas for our rental car in Bretagne. Or maybe a train delay. Paris is now back to its' glorious self, but a general strike is in the works for day after tomorrow. We'll deal.

@erikat5678 Жыл бұрын

I navigated a strike in Dec 2019. Fortunately, I stayed in a hotel close to everything, so I advise biting the bullet and spending a little more to avoid the expense of transportation. It’s walkable like you said! And, I used to live in Italy so, used to strikes all the time! Hope you are doing well! ❤🤗

@olafurhilmarsson10 Жыл бұрын

Our trip will be 5th of April to 12th and we wasn't planning to cancel but good to have these information before our travel. Thanks :)

@sandieshute7954 Жыл бұрын

We are visiting Paris right now and nothing is nearly as bad as we’ve been hearing. So glad we came - and the garbage is unpleasant, but it’s definitely not a deterrent, nor as bad as we’ve been hearing. Your video is on point with our experience! PS…love the new guide!!

@rf8773 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jay for always being so informative. This video was extremely helpful...wish it was available back in 2019 prior to visiting Paris. We experienced our first protest and soccer celebration on the same day. Definitely an experience we didn't expect and it's forever engraved in our memories. 😅 Kudos to all businesses and their staff for remaining calm during the activities and making sure their customers were safe as possible. 🙏

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

I'm glad they took care of you! I think we get so used to it that we can forget how stressful protests and soccer fans can be for visitors. Lots of noise, large crowds, chants and cheers in a language you don't understand. It can be a lot!

@Tuemtuci Жыл бұрын

I’m literally in Paris right now I don’t know what is going on in Paris but I have seen like tree protest signs and I bunch of cops ignore me while drinking beer in the park.

@gsbkac98 Жыл бұрын

We just got back from a week in Paris, which included a good many of your tips @JaySwanson, so thank you. We did have one major hiccup on the night of March 23. We were dining at Frenchie and I was looking out the window from the restaurant and everything was quite normal until we had about 50-75 masked protesters run down the street, and then saw firemen with extinguishers heading the other direction. When we left the restaurant we were told NOT to go the direction of our hotel which was in the 8th. Metro was closed and taxis non-existent so we started trudging in the general direction of our hotel. Many streets google maps told us to go down were closed by police causing lots of detours. It ended up being a 2.5 hour post dinner slog across the city but we eventually made it. That was the worst of it though. Per Jay's advice, if you DO end up there on a day when action is expected, try to choose an itinerary that is closer in to your hotel vs. the other side of town. Definitely not worth cancelling your trip over though, go and enjoy.

@sunnyisaidamendez3066 Жыл бұрын

Jay I am so glad to see this post, I am traveling in 2 weeks and I was going to reschedule it for May I was a bit worried, Thank you,

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

I hope you have a great trip!

@roymartinez4054 Жыл бұрын

I was in Paris from 03/16 - 03/23. I arrived and stayed during the thick of it - if you will. There is no way to downplay the fact that there are massive piles of trash along the streets. Yes, more so in certain areas. Also, sirens and columns of cop vehicles were a constant. Despite it all we had an excellent experience.

@Clutching.My.Pearls Жыл бұрын

Just traveled in Paris at the very beginning of the strike. Yes, there was trash and we were happy it wasn't summer to help ripen the smell. We walked, took the metro, and busses and encountered no problems. The one issue was the trains were striking BUT I was receiving updates from SNCF constantly regarding my particular train in plenty of time to make changes. Luckily, the train system is so amazing there was always another train to move us. In Strasburg we saw a protest at night, which was peaceful and latest about 45 minutes. They police were present and ready for any major issues, of which there were none. In Lyon we saw no form of protesting and the garbage was minimal. We felt very safe, found locals very kind and very generous with their assistance when we needed help. If the streets are blocked during protests, know your route by walking or use the metro and busses, definitely avoid taxis and/or uber because you'll be sitting in the mess.

@wildlower1313 Жыл бұрын

I’m still arriving on 3/31. I have plans and if they get changed…I know I’ll find something else to do. Also, perfect timing on the updated guide!! Thanks so much!!

@deebelisle963 Жыл бұрын

just returned to Dallas from Paris with my grand daughter - had a great time - safer than Dallas tbh - I stayed on Rue Mouffetard near Latin Quarter - very nice people I met - miss the bread already

@PamOfHouseSlaughter Жыл бұрын

Ok. Coming! May 12. I hope I see you!!!

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

I hope you have a blast!

@anaevora3205 Жыл бұрын

I just left Paris on March 30; indeed, some areas still have piled of trash; however, if you are planning to visit museums such as Louvre or D'Orsay, be aware there's no guarantee that they will be open to the public, we tried Louvre, D' Orsey, and Tour Eifel they were closed, To us, it didn't really impact us since we were there for a family event, but if you are planning to shop go for it, sightseeing it's a different story. I think you should wait until things settle down.

@parisisima8934 Жыл бұрын

Were the museums and monuments closed because of the strikes?? This seems really unusual.

@Ellinillard Жыл бұрын

Everything’s open.

@FreedomOutdoorLivingTX Жыл бұрын

Wow!! The new website design is AMAZING! Some of the best work I have seen. Really impressive.

@StephanieStoven Жыл бұрын

Good to know because I'm still coming to Paris for the first time this weekend!

@rachelwyatt9529 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jay. I’m relocating to Paris in the fall. Protests and trash doesn’t bother me… in NYC trash piles on the street is unfortunately normal 😅

@Luke-nj8wu Жыл бұрын

All booked and ready to go for 2 weeks time. Can't wait to be fair

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

Have a great time!

@Luke-nj8wu Жыл бұрын

@Jay Swanson We had a great time averaging around 28000 steps a day😓 great trip me and my partner loved it

@juancarlosruiz478 Жыл бұрын

I was there two weeks ago and it was a complicated time when the demonstration took place on March 23. They started to fire garbage (which was everywhere). I have videos. The street where I was staying was completely on fire with a lot of smoke. My wife and children were scare. In fact, one building started to get in fire. The firefighters needed to rescue people. I do not know what happened on the demonstration that tool place on March 28, I hope it was better. IN addition, the garbage is everywhere. There were mountains. The Airb&b I stayed, smelled very bad. I have been several times in Paris, and it is usually beautiful and safe, however, right know there is not the best time.

@OtakuFour. Жыл бұрын

I kept seeing a video of someone who went to paris and said that there was grafiede everywhere, there was nothing to do but go to coffee shops and resturaunts and that it smelled bad they also complained about the trash everywhere.

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

Graffiti, no. Coffeeshops, yes. Restaurants, yes (these are good things...). Other things to do besides eat? Literally thousands. Smell, depends on the time of year. Trash, likewise, depends on the day of the week and the neighbourhood. Paris is a large functioning city and sounds/looks/and smells like one. Sounds like your friend had a negative experience, but hopefully my videos will help you realise that that's not the norm.

@ernestfrost7015 Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@abdullahozek8016 Жыл бұрын

I always loved the dustmen and their lorries since I was a child . They do a good job for us , keeping the environment safe and clean, giving us the enjoyment and pleasure in the city and a lot more I believe they deserve a better pay and a comfort giving them the financial security in their old age and time too

@tompurvis1261 Жыл бұрын

Most every one of our 6 trips to Paris, there was some form of protest. No issues for us at all.

@BlueSkyGuitar Жыл бұрын

I feel like the majority of times I've been to Paris I've come across one or more smaller protests. There was also a Metro strike one time - it seemed like there was limisted service one or two days but not the whole trip. It was still fun - like Jay says just take a walk and enjoy the city... Also Jay, please keep drawing and sharing your artwork. Merci!

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

Hey, not sure we can help with everything listed here, but if you pop your questions over to swansonteam.paris@gmail.com Emily will have a look and get back to you with any insight we can offer!

@annahart7115 Жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness…we were in the East Village in NYC and although it was getting picked up regularly it looked just like this!

@jtr109 Жыл бұрын

That is a pretty standard pile of trash on any random day in New York City.

@jordan8276 Жыл бұрын

I was in Paris last week and as a New Yorker I had the same thought 😂

@missj.4760 Жыл бұрын

To me, the major thing is flight cancellations because of strikes.

@danjsalter Жыл бұрын

Just came back from Paris, felt totally safe (safer than London) and had a great trip! Yes there is some rubbish around but we didn’t see any protests and everything ran well.

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

Glad you had a good time!

@WhatsNextIWonder Жыл бұрын

Pilots were striking in France during my first visit. We had to take a train from London to Paris and our tour guide was delayed due to the strikes It's honestly just regular life for the French! 100% would not recommend skipping out on France/Paris over this.

@itsloulu Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the update!

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@thelazarusproject52 Жыл бұрын

O hey Jay. 3 times I've been to Paris AND still haven't seen the inside of the louve... can you get me like a vip pass...😂

@jachinoy1565 Жыл бұрын

We are from Singapore and we will be there next week. I never thought of cancelling our trip as i know that everything will be alright. In sg we don't have strikes etc....i know its illegal to do it. However i am originally from the Philippines which has strikes etc so nothing new here for me😅 Stay safe and hope we see u in Paris. Thanks for all ur tips and vids

@itsloulu Жыл бұрын

Hey, I will be in Paris next week too and the news about what’s happening there is giving me anxiety. By the way, I’m from the Philippines too but now live in the US.

@jachinoy1565 Жыл бұрын

@@itsloulu great! Hope next week will be ok. It's holy week.

@joseluisrodriguezritte2734 Жыл бұрын

I just got back from Paris (like some people here), and i never found any riot, the thing that could make "trouble" during your trip, are the strikes specially at the metro!. Last Tuesday (march 28th) i had my flight back home, i found out the day before about the national transportation strike… that was challenging. Thanks Jay!

@danielcj13 Жыл бұрын

I was there last week, it was normal

@pamelawing5747 Жыл бұрын

I think every time I've been to Paris there is a strike of some kind. Nothing like this one but there are little ones all over the place. We just go around the block.

@brianclear363 Жыл бұрын

i was going to go to paris last weekend from London. I had issues with Eurostar from Belgium a few weeks ago. I went to madrid instead. I left Madrid last Sun, got on plane ok, closed the dooors and we were then told that due to French Air traffic go slow our plane would have to wait 2 hours on the tarmac for a slot to fly over france. Then had to fly a further two hours then couldnt get off the plane for 45 mins due to no gate available. So seems like even avoiding france or even flying over france youre still at risk :)

@Lidzee22 Жыл бұрын

I just returned from a two week trip to France, Paris and Lyon. The trash when we got there was pretty intense where we were staying, in the 5th/6th area, no exaggeration needed, but thankfully it was cold enough that it didn't smell too bad. We were across town at the Arc on the night of the vote, or not vote I guess, and had to walk and take a huge detour to get back, but the police/national guard kept people far from the action so we never were close enough to feel unsafe. When we were staying back in Paris near the Opera Garnier there were signs of a more violent protest, smashed windows, luted stores, burn marks in the street. We didn't feel unsafe when we were there, but we felt bad for some of the shop owners. The train strikes were pretty inconvenient and we had to cancel some side trips and change plans, but we made it work and still were able to see and do a lot, it was just more stressful for me planning everything. We took a taxi back to the airport on the 28th, because there was a warning about the RER B and we just wanted to make it to the airport. So overall it was a slight inconvenience, but never unsafe, and we all really enjoyed our time in France and everyone we interacted with were very nice and helpful.

@Paul_C Жыл бұрын

People oppose the decision to up the age for retirement from 62 to 64. It would mean working for two more years. However, there is a sliding scale that comes with it. Much like the scale when the Dutch did the same thing, though they raised the age from 65 to 67.

@JaySwanson Жыл бұрын

I think the fact that times are already so hard for so many makes it untenable - really bad timing if nothing else.

@gpslibra Жыл бұрын

The retirement pension debate/protests in France are so interesting to me. Of course in the US, you can collect Social Security (federal government retirement system) if you paid into the program through your federal employment taxes on the job for a minimum of 40 quarters. You can choose to collect your pension as early as 62 through 70 years of age. I collected at 66 years old for my “full retirement”. Of course the amount of money you collect increases (sliding scale) the longer you wait to retire. I figured, I don’t want to wait too long to retire and miss out on multiple trips to France 🇫🇷 😉

@julierogers1155 Жыл бұрын

The change is VERY GRADUAL!

@janettesierra6497 Жыл бұрын

Great video this is so informative going soon and was concerned thanks for sharing subscribed !

@RollerbazAndCoasterDad Жыл бұрын

We had rubbish collection strikes last summer in Edinburgh. It was very effective for council workers and a necessary evil to get a fairish pay rise in the current inflationary situation. It also looked bad but wasn't that much hassle. Good luck with the clean up Paris.

@petermulconry436 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.Cheers

@bonniea8189 9 ай бұрын

Heh heh you could now do this video about the bed bug furore. My mom actually wanted to cancel her trip because of it. I sent her an article showing that the incidence of bed bugs is the same as it was in 2017 (although it is higher than 50 years ago, but that's largely due to increased international travel).

@JaySwanson 9 ай бұрын

Oh, yeah the bedbug chaos. That was a thing for like, 2 seconds, haha! No one I know had any creepy crawly problems, you can totally reassure your mom!