Aussies escaping the cold to enjoy a European summer are warned to be extra cautious when travelling in France from now until September.
With national elections and the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in France in the coming months, a wave of protests has swept the nation — some of which have escalated into dangerous riots.
The French are known for their fiery protests and, as the nationalist far-right surges, residents are fiercely campaigning against racism and Islamophobia before the elections, the first of which was on June 30 with the second to be held on July 7.
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Demonstrations ramped up last week after a 17-year-old boy of Algerian heritage was shot dead by police in Paris on Tuesday — and more than 2,000 people have been detained since then.
Residents have also flocked to the streets in protest against the Olympic Games — where the French government will ban hijabs for French athletes — after hundreds of people were evicted from makeshift shelters south of Paris to host the games.
France will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games between July 26 and September 8.
DFAT’s Smartraveller advised: “France’s national terrorist alert remains at the highest level … exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the threat of terrorism.
“Demonstrations may occur around these dates, which could cause disruptions to transport and other public services. Avoid protests and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.
“Expect high-level security measures nationwide, especially in venue cities, including schools, places of worship, shopping centres, and landmarks
“Terrorists could target events and locations in the lead-up to, during, and after the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
It flagged events associated with the Olympic Torch Relay, LGBTQIA+ community, music and cultural events, festivals, tourist areas, shopping areas, transport hubs, and sporting events as areas that could become terrorism targets.
– With CNN