Chaos in France as the Government Collapses and Major Strike to Disrupt Travel on September 18

One thing I’ve always admired about the French is how fiercely they stand up for what they believe in. The downside is that when they do, life here can be turned upside down. Strikes, blockades, and delays quickly become part of daily life.

Travelers soon find themselves caught in the middle of it all. Last time it was tractors dumping manure on the motorways. This time, the movement is gearing up again, and the disruption is already being felt.

With another nationwide strike date just a few days away, it’s worth knowing what started this round of protests, how it is unfolding, and what it means if you’re heading to France in the coming weeks or if you live here and need to avoid the disruption.

Where It All Began and Why

At the heart of the current turmoil is the 2026 budget. The government pushed through a plan filled with deep austerity cuts, promising it was the only way to steady the country’s finances. For many, though, the proposals felt like an attack on public services that people rely on every day, from schools to healthcare. 

That frustration spilled into the political arena when opposition parties rallied together for a no-confidence vote. It was an unusual show of unity that cut across party lines and ended up bringing down Prime Minister François Bayrou. His departure marked yet another chapter in a year already defined by political instability.

In the aftermath, President Macron turned to Sébastien Lecornu to take on the role of prime minister. He is Macron’s third choice this year, which hardly reassures people that stability is on the horizon. Instead, it has only added to the sense that the government is wobbling at the exact moment when it needs to project strength. 

The Protests: “Bloquons tout”

The pushback didn’t take long to spill out of parliament and onto the streets. A new movement calling itself “Bloquons tout,” which translates to “Block Everything,” has begun making waves across the country. The name alone sets the tone: it’s a strategy of disruption aimed at grinding daily life to a halt until their voices are heard. 

As a Brit, I can’t help thinking we could learn a thing or two from the French. They don’t just meekly roll over and let the government run roughshod over them, which I can’t help admiring, disruption or no disruption.

Much of the organizing has been happening on social media, echoing the way the Yellow Vests rose up a few years ago. It’s not led by a single party or figurehead but by a loose network of activists, unions, and grassroots groups who have decided enough is enough. That makes the protests harder to predict and harder for the government to contain, since decisions can spread online faster than authorities can respond.

The broad mix of people backing “Bloquons tout” is part of what gives it weight. Far-left groups have thrown in their support, unions have mobilized their members, and everyday citizens are joining in as frustration grows. The result is a rolling wave of resistance, hitting different parts of the country at different times.

The Situation So Far

In just a short time, the protests have spread across France’s biggest cities. Roads have been blocked in Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Marseille, creating gridlock that ripples far beyond city limits. Travelers have found themselves stuck in traffic for hours, while locals are adjusting daily routines around sudden closures.

The government’s response has been heavy. Around 80,000 police officers have been deployed nationwide, with 6,000 of them stationed in Paris alone. Despite that show of force, nearly 200 arrests have already been made as tempers flare. In some areas, buses have been set on fire, and clashes with police have turned violent.

For many watching this unfold, the atmosphere feels tense but also familiar. France has a long history of large-scale protest, and “Bloquons tout” seems to be following that tradition with its own unpredictable twists. The scale of disruption suggests this movement has struck a nerve, and the coming weeks are likely to bring even more upheaval.

Daily Life and Travel Impact

The strikes are being felt well beyond city centers. In Paris, metro and RER services are facing closures and delays that can change by the hour. Travelers arriving at stations often find themselves waiting on crowded platforms with little information on when trains will actually run.

Long-distance trains are faring a little better. Most TGV routes are still operating, but even here, disruptions are creeping in, and cancellations can happen at short notice. Airports remain open, though passengers are warned to expect long lines and the possibility of flights being canceled, especially in the south, where the strikes have been more intense.

It isn’t only transport that is affected. Schools, ports, and public services have also been hit, forcing parents to make last-minute arrangements and slowing down deliveries across the country. For anyone visiting France right now, the best advice is to allow extra time, keep plans flexible, and double-check strike dates before confirming tickets. A little preparation makes a big difference when the country decides to “block everything.”

What to Expect on September 18

September 18 has been circled on the calendar as the next big strike day, and this time it looks set to be more organized and more widespread than the protests earlier this month. France’s major unions have joined forces, which means disruption will stretch across transport, schools, and public services. The scale of participation is expected to be large enough to bring the country to a near standstill for the day.

Sectors Likely to Be Hit Hard

Sector	What to Expect
Transport (rail, metro, RER, buses, trams)	Major interruption. Long-distance and regional rail reduced. In Paris, metro, RER, buses, and trams likely to face rolling closures and irregular service.
Air travel and airports	Air traffic control walkouts planned on September 18 and 19. Expect delays and cancellations, with pressure at Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Lyon, and Marseille.
Schools and education	Staff walkouts across primary and secondary schools. Many classes canceled and childcare gaps likely, especially around larger cities.
Public services and hospitals	Administrative offices may close or run reduced hours. Hospitals and pharmacies could see delays, while emergency care remains available.
Road travel, taxi, and ride share	Possible blockades at key junctions. Slower traffic near protest sites. Taxi participation varies by city. Ride share availability may dip at peak times.

How Travelers Can Prepare

• If flying on or around September 18, check with your airline ahead of time. Look for changes or cancellations, especially at busy airports.
• For train or public transport travel: build in extra time, consider traveling either earlier or later, and check SNCF / RATP / TER timetables the day before (they often publish revised schedules ~48 hours in advance).
• If staying in or near Paris or other big cities, be ready for metro / local transport delays or shutdowns. Walking may sometimes be faster than waiting.
• For accommodations or events: allow some wiggle room in your plans. If something can be moved or delayed, try to leave buffer days.
• Stay informed via local news, union announcements, and official transport apps/websites. The situation can change fast, and local sources will be first to update.