"The peasants are revolting..." Paris Warnings Or Dangers Tip by sourbugger

It was a riot that launched the modern French state back in 1789, and the youth of Paris have enjoyed a good riot every so often since. There were some great riots by the students back in the 1960's, but those in the last few years seemed to lack a certain 'edge'.

During the last series in 2006, young people were protesting against the introduction of new more-flexible labour laws. Watching it live on 'Sky TV' the protestors were happily taunting the police and chucking a few stones in Place de la Republique. Meanwhile other Parisien residents were quite happy to walk right between the two groups on their way to the Metro station and home, seemingly quite oblivious to any danger. I even saw some woman walk across pushing a pram !

This may tell you something about how Paris works. When I was last there in May 2006, there was a demonstration against immigration. The riot police (pretty much a full time job in Paris) neatly cordoned off the square near Invalides station. As I was pushing Arann, I had to walk a log way around to get to the station I wanted. Within minutes of the protest finishing, the cleaners moved in and the square was restored to it's former state within minutes. Gallic effeciency can sometimes work wonders.