In 2023, The Wife™ and I went to visit one of our kids who was doing a semester abroad, and we ended up in Paris. Only problem: long after we’d paid for non-refundable airline tickets and hotel rooms, we learned that there was “unrest” planned for the exact days that we were going to be there.
Now, I’m a cheap bastard, so there was only one option: go anyway. As I wrote at the time, it certainly was not boring. See: My Night in Riot-Stricken Paris.
Not only was the city on a garbage and transportation strike — and piles of trash grew into mountains at seemingly every corner — but many Frenchies were incensed about President Emmanuel Macron’s unilateral decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. Here’s the weird thing, though: we didn’t feel threatened. It almost seemed like a party in our area, the 3rd arrondissement:
After a rest, I set out for dinner, and although I’m not an expert on all things Parisian, I do know one thing—you can pick a restaurant at random and your chances of the food being excellent are high. I was enjoying the meal despite the constant sirens and police vehicles rushing by… But then raucous laughter erupted from a group sitting at one of the outdoor tables. Turns out someone on the street was trying to set one of the ubiquitous garbage piles afire, and had failed badly. (The piles of stinking garbage are everywhere because striking workers are refusing to pick it up.)
The show wasn’t over, however, as soon a new crowd showed up and made sure the fire was relit, and this time it took. Nobody in the restaurant was in the slightest bit concerned, and none stopped their meals when crowds of demonstrators started marching down the street, chanting and hollering. In fact, it all seemed quite normal.
The French really did the “this is fine” meme. pic.twitter.com/iIIXFnju2S
— Paweł Wargan (@pawelwargan) March 21, 2023
Why would a protest where people are lighting things on fire resemble a joyful gathering? Because for many, it is: La République has a long protest history, and families, union workers, teachers, and students show up for authorized marches that often resemble street festivals or block parties more than they do riots. They play music, chant slogans, and — crucially — don’t engage in widespread vandalism and destruction. (That being said, there was some violence in other areas during these protests, especially in public squares.)
My experience isn’t meant to minimize the fact that things also can go very south in La France, and a whole lot of people can end up with their heads being cut off. My point is rather that the riots we’re seeing right now seem to have taken on a darker, more ominous tone than most in recent history. This feels existential:
FRANCE: Rioters have set fire to the historic City Hall in Limoges, France, causing its roof to burn and its clock tower to collapse.
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 17, 2026
Built in 1883, the 143 year old landmark survived 2 world wars and was designated a protected historical monument in 1975.
It’s gone now.…
This AI video is hilarious — but it also hits a darker note.
J’aime beaucoup la nouvelle pub de l’Office de Tourisme de Paris ! 😨😰😱 pic.twitter.com/62VGGbgIYA
— Sir Sean Sitges (@SitgesFranck) October 20, 2026
Translation: "I really like the new ad from the Paris Tourist Office! 😨😰😱"
French authorities have tried to blame the cataclysmic uprisings on student unrest, but now they’re shifting their narrative to claim that left-wing extremist groups are behind it. Everyone knows, however, that France’s immigration policies have led to a powder keg that’s ready to explode, and there are widespread reports that Jewish stores and residences are being targeted while Muslim ones are spared.
French journalist Paul Amar:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 18, 2026
“They came prepared. They had the addresses of town halls. They had addresses of Jewish shop owners.
In a street in Marseille, all businesses owned by Jews were set on fire. Businesses run by Muslims weren’t” pic.twitter.com/zudahbmw7p
As my colleague Nick Arama wrote, “Notice the Palestinian flag."
🔴 Mouvement du 17 octobre : à Lyon, l'office de tourisme place Bellecour incendié
— LCI (@LCI) October 17, 2026
Un office de tourisme, situé place Bellecour à Lyon, est en flammes ce samedi 17 octobre pic.twitter.com/tjmD4PxWIX
Translation:
🔴 October 17 Movement: In Lyon, the Bellecour square tourist office set on fire
A tourist office, located at Place Bellecour in Lyon, is in flames this Saturday, October 17
President Trump has long warned that many European countries are on a suicidal path with their unfettered immigration policies — a path that we must not allow to happen here, despite the Democrats’ best efforts.
One can’t help but wonder: are we seeing the end of modern France?
When you're visiting France, you simply must visit the Louvre.
— Bob Hoge (@Bob_Hoge_CA) October 18, 2026
Some of the greatest paintings on earth are on display for your viewing pleasure. pic.twitter.com/tqIGcBfb83
There's a famous French saying, "Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose," which translates to "The more things change, the more they stay the same."
Les Français might be finding out that this just may not be true anymore.
