Update to our earlier France coverage: what is new is a U.S. Embassy Paris security alert issued November 4, SNCF’s first traffic outlook for the November 5 strike, and RATP’s forecast for Paris.
November 4, 2026 — Thursday’s nationwide strike in France is going ahead. The U.S. Embassy in Paris warned Americans on November 4 that “a nationwide multi-sector strike is planned for Thursday, November 5,” hitting public transport, schools, hospitals and government offices, with rail disruption possibly beginning the evening of November 4. The embassy also noted that local curfews have been imposed in parts of France, including some Paris neighborhoods, and can be brought in at short notice.
What’s new
- U.S. Embassy alert (Nov. 4): Protests and rallies are continuing across France, and some recent demonstrations turned violent, with property damage and looting. Other groups have called protests for November 5 and through the weekend. The embassy lists France at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (terrorism and unrest).
- SNCF first outlook (Nov. 3): SNCF expects TGV services to be only lightly disrupted, with heavier disruption on Intercités, TER regional trains and Île-de-France trains. Detailed line-by-line forecasts were due from 5 p.m. Paris time on Wednesday, November 4 — check SNCF Connect for the final figures.
- Paris (RATP): RATP expects normal metro, tram and bus service and normal service on RER A, though some stations could close because of demonstrations. RER B is expected to be disrupted, and the SNCF-run RER C, D and E and Transilien lines are among those expected to be hit.
- Air travel: Unions including UNSA-UTCAC, CFDT, FO and CGT have called all staff of the civil aviation authority (DGAC), including air traffic controllers, to strike on November 5. Turnout was unclear as of November 2. No DGAC request for airlines to cut flights had been reported in the sources we read; if one is issued, it will list airports and percentages. Flights over France, including to Spain, Portugal and the UK, can also be delayed.
- Paris march: The Paris protest is due to leave Place de la Bastille at 1 p.m. or 2 p.m., depending on the organization. The final route had not been published as of November 3.
Strike at a glance
| Service | Expected on Thu, Nov. 5 |
|---|---|
| TGV (high-speed) | Lightly disrupted (SNCF) |
| Intercités and TER regional trains | Disrupted (SNCF); line figures TBA |
| RER A | Normal (RATP) |
| RER B (serves CDG and Orly via Orlyval) | Disrupted |
| RER C, D, E and Transilien | Disrupted |
| Paris metro, tram and bus | Normal, some station closures possible near protests |
| Flights | DGAC staff, including controllers, called to strike; flight cuts TBA |
The rail strike is called by CGT-Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail and CFDT-Cheminots over pay and purchasing power. It is a one-day action; whether service on Friday, November 6 will be affected was not known.
What it means for travelers
- If you are flying into Paris on November 5 and planned to take RER B to the city, expect fewer trains. Allow extra time or use a taxi, ride-share or airport bus, and check RATP and SNCF updates the evening before.
- Connecting onward by TGV should be easier than by TER or Intercités, but check your specific train on SNCF Connect before you leave the airport.
- If controllers walk out, flights in and over France can be delayed or cancelled, and seats will be scarce as airlines rebook passengers. Check your flight status early and have a backup date.
- Stay clear of the Bastille march and other demonstrations, follow local curfew notices from the city hall (mairie) or prefecture, and carry ID.
- If your train is cancelled, ask SNCF about free exchanges or refunds.
- Enroll in STEP (U.S. citizens) or Registration of Canadians Abroad, and check whether your travel insurance covers strike disruption; strikes announced before you bought a policy are often excluded.
Sources
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France: Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Paris, France (November 4, 2026)
- Sortiraparis: SNCF strike on November 5, 2026 to go ahead: TGV, RER, service forecasts (updated Nov. 3, 2026)
- Social Mag: Grève du 5 novembre : les premières prévisions SNCF annoncent des perturbations sur les TER et RER (Nov. 4, 2026)
- Deep Arrival: DGAC Staff Called to Strike Nov. 5: What to Do if You Fly France (Nov. 2, 2026)
- SNCF Connect: Official train information
- RATP: Official Paris transit information
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