Disrupted planes, trains and tourist sites: What to expect from France’s nationwide September 18 strike

French trade unions have called for a nationwide strike and protests on Thursday to oppose "brutal" budget measures unveiled over the summer – measures that new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has so far refused to rule out.  

After meeting with Lecornu on Monday, the hardline CGT union said they were more determined than ever, despite the government’s announcement that it would drop a controversial plan to cut two public holidays. "He didn’t commit to anything. None of the disastrous policies from [former Prime Minister] François Bayrou’s tenure have been scrapped," said union leader Sophie Binet.

Lecornu, who promised "substantive changes" on taking office, held talks with most unions over the last week. But union chiefs are standing firm on their call to mobilise on September 18, hoping to shape the future budget.

Read moreCan Macron’s quiet power broker Sébastien Lecornu navigate France’s fractured politics as PM?

• Up to 800,000 demonstrators

Nine unions will march together for the first time since June 2023, when they fought against pension reform. The CGT said Monday that more than 220 rallies were already planned across France, with the tally still rising.

Union leaders aim to surpass the “Block Everything” movement, a grassroots protest that started on social media and drew nearly 200,000 participants on September 10, according to the interior ministry, but fell short of closing down the country as hoped. Whether those protesters – many of them wary of unions – will join Thursday’s strike remains uncertain.

“We want a million people with us,” CFTC union leader Cyril Chabanier told RTL television. Authorities estimate turnout could surpass 800,000, four times as many as on September 10, and fear several hundred radical protesters may join the marches.

In a joint statement released in late August, unions denounced the government’s budget measures as "unprecedented brutality", accusing it of once again making "workers, the unemployed, retirees and the sick" pay the price.

They point to sweeping cuts in public services, another overhaul of unemployment insurance, a freeze on benefits and public sector pay, lower pensions, doubled medical fees and even threats to France’s fifth week of paid leave.

Watch moreAnother prime minister gone in France: How a budget deficit became a political crisis

The scrapping of plans to cut two public holidays – widely condemned by unions – was hailed by CGT’s Binet as "a first victory" and proof that "we are in a position of strength".

Even the CFDT union, usually cautious about joining street protests, confirmed it would march. "The budget as it stands is not compatible with social, fiscal and environmental justice," CFDT leader Marylise Léon told France Inter.

Major disruption in Paris transport

Paris transport operator RATP faces major disruption, with its four biggest unions all calling for a strike. On its website Tuesday night, the RATP advised passengers to work from home or postpone travel if possible.

The company’s second-largest union said it expects "a black day" with some metro lines completely closed and others only partially running. It estimated strike participation at "90% among metro drivers and 80% among RER drivers".

Only fully automated metro lines (Lines 1, 4 and 14) will run normally; others will operate only at peak hours.

Some bus lines will be cancelled and tram service on the T5, T7 and T8 lines will be disrupted.

The RER will also be affected, with heavy disruption expected on lines D and E.

If you're so lucky to be visiting Paris, RATP recommends using its online planner or the Bonjour RATP app to check real-time updates, track alternative routes and monitor onboard crowding.

• To plan a metro or RER route with updated information, use the Paris transport system's online planner available in English here.
• To check flights in real time, visit the Aéroports de Paris website in English

To ease travel, RATP is partnering with Lime to offer 3,000 free bike unlocks worth €1 each for rentals made directly through the app. “It’s first come, first served,” the website says.

Regional trains affected

Regional train services will also be disrupted, varying by area. The SNCF is bracing for walkouts after unions called on all railway workers to strike. 

Outgoing Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said nine out of 10 high-speed TGV trains will be running while SNCF's regular network, Intercités, would see "significant disruption", with just one train in two operating. Around three out of five regional trains (TER) are expected to run.

Air France faces strike notices from at least three unions, although air-traffic controllers have delayed their walkout.

Museums, monuments impacted

Museums and landmarks across the country could see limited access or closures.

In Paris, the Arc de Triomphe is already closed a day ahead of the strike. “Due to a social movement, the monument is exceptionally closed today,” the website states.

The Louvre warned that opening could be delayed and some galleries may remain closed. Versailles also said it could not guarantee access to the Château and Domaine due to the strike.

Visitors are advised to check official websites and plan ahead. Regular opening hours remain unless otherwise announced, and any updates will likely be provided if the strike continues.

One-third of primary teachers expected to strike

The largest primary school union expects one-third of nursery and primary teachers to strike. “Public schools urgently need adequate resources and a real budget,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to its back-to-school survey, almost 3,000 classes across more than 6,000 schools had no assigned teacher this year. Over 80% of schools reported having at least one class with more than 22 pupils, and 57% had at least one pupil without a support assistant for children with disabilities.

Last week, the education ministry estimated that 6% of teachers joined the September 10 “Block Everything” protests, mostly in secondary schools. This time the strike is expected to be more widely followed.

Disruption is also expected in school canteens and after-school services in some cities.

90% of pharmacies to stay closed

French pharmacies are also joining Thursday’s nationwide strike, with around nine out of 10 expected to close. Participation is forecast at 85-90%, though some will stay open to provide essential services.

Unlike most sectors, the pharmacists’ protest is not over the 2026 budget but related to government cuts to the rebate for generics, which account for roughly a third of pharmacy margins. The government cap has already fallen from 40% to 30% and is set to drop further, to 20% by 2027. Unions warn the measure could force thousands of closures and job losses, and affect access to essential medicines such as antibiotics, antidiabetics and antiepileptics.