Yellow Jackets Protests in Paris - Is Paris Safe to Visit?

Music by: Joakim Karud

The Yellow Jackets protest has been mostly peaceful, but the more violent elements within it have escalated things to the point that the police have said they plan to take more drastic actions this weekend during the protests in Paris - so avoid the Champs Elysees and surrounding areas this weekend if you're in town (December 8-9, 2018)

My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa and hoping to make the city of light my home base - at least for the foreseeable future. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlog daily, and love pizza a little too much.

Links below to Amazon are affiliate links - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)

FAQ:
How long have you lived in France? On and off for over two years.

What do you miss most about ho- NACHOS

Where are you from originally? - Pullman, Washington - a small university/agricultural town near Idaho (and yes, the potatoes are amazing).

What do you edit with? - Adobe Premiere - it's pretty much all I've ever used since high school.

Aren't you ever freaked out by leaving your camera behind to film yourself? - Yep. But not too badly - I tend to be careful when I do.

Do you make money off YouTube? - Ha, no. I wish. It took me over 500 videos to make my first $100 off adsense. I think it will slowly change, but VERY slowly.

[angela-pfym]

I was in Paris over the first two week ends of the protests the only effect was a cancellation of the last bit of an open top bus tour. The second w/e had ramped up a bit but I managed to avoid it by staying underground and popping up in the safe areas like a gopher. Listen to Jay! I’m a mature lady and I felt safe.

[keykeydoes]

My husband and I binged you videos before our trip to Paris and it helped a ton! Thanks for the info on Paris as of late, we are flying back tomorrow from Prague. BTW, my husband is so down to run and talk about fantasy novels with you! PS. He thinks "The Kingkiller Chronicles" is the best series and "Eantris" is the best standalone.

[joyful]

Seems so many of us will be visiting Paris soon and keeping our eyes and ears open. Thanks for the tip about the cordoned off areas. That is helpful.

[lyndelmyers]

I'm glad that Paris is still safe to visit, I just hope it stays that way till the end of April. My brother and I are planning a trip. I'm so glad I found you and your vlog. As I tell everyone, stay safe out there.

[cometslf]

Thanks for posting this. I was going to ask about this. My mom and I leave in 2 weeks for paris. Cant wait. Totally not going to cancel this trip!

[buters]

So happy you made this video! My mom and I are nervous. We land in Paris in the morning of 10/31 — in time for NYE — before embarking on a road trip. This will be our first time visiting Paris and we have been concerned. I enjoy your videos!!

[graycat]

Glad to see things calming down. Friends have been assuring me that Paris is safe and proving me with list of locations to skip during my visit. Still, nice to see on the street view on your video.

[____merveilleux]

@jayswanson good to see you back running bud. Keep up the good work..

[cermelem]

Jay Swanson, reporting to you from the time vortex of yesterday. Looks like a fairly productive day. Telling it like it is, and getting stuff done! No nightsticks to the camera.

[kookymunster]

I cancelled the Paris leg of my trip so the folks at home wouldn't worry. I usually keep my wits about me when I travel, but for now, I'm going to play it safe. Hope you and everyone else stay out of harms way. Sending warm wishes from Munich! ~ Rhea

[saywhatsaywhat]

Yay, Jay is back to wandering around in Paris again! As far as the manifestation thing goes it can occur in any largish French city and usually it's not a big deal. Usually people with bullhorns announcing they are protesting, cops show up to make sure everyone follows the unwritten rules, a little news coverage footage, everyone gets bored and heads off for a drink. This did seem a little more serious but in the end even the police caved....

[robinburke]

Good advice to avoid some of the more popular places and in general “just be careful.” For tourists visiting the city (this weekend) it’s reported that a number of the major (e.g., Musée du Louvre, Tour Eiffel, etc, ) attractions are going to be closed Saturday and Sunday for security reasons. That’s a bummer if you’re visiting but can provide a good opportunity to wander some of the less visited areas.

[mattyalpert]

“The sun doesn’t raise till 8:40....” my wife and I were just there for Thanksgiving and the time of sunrise totally messed with us!

Btw we were caught up with protests on 11/24 and didn’t get home until 11/26. Our hotel was outside the St. Augustine metro station.

[margotlove]

The sun ☀️ is down with us in the Southern Hemisphere, rising at 540 and setting at 2116, we missed while it was up with you over our winter ❄️.

[dcparkers]

I tell everyone that Paris is safe. And your camera still being there after a 4-mile run just proves it. :-)

[davidbanas]

Yes Jay Thank You Merci. You are correct. From what was covered was only the violence and dramatic images. Of course, it is natural to be concerned if in 2 weeks I have a trip planned. Just watching you walk around was reassuring along with the info, and am looking forward to visiting Paris starting Christmas Day.

[MrMazza]

My Girlfriend and i have just gotten back 30th nov until 5th. We stayed in Port D'Orléans and were in Montparnasse on that night, we didnt even know it was going on and visited the Arc the following day. It was fairly smashed up (the streets) but no more drama and seemed like everyone was just going avout their business. DONT PUT YOUR TRIP OFF 👍👍. We had a great time Jay managed to find 15 invaders 😁👍 had a great time.

[mmatih]

I am glad you feel safe, Jay - I admire the guts and engagement of the French and the Parisians to walk in Protest on the streets, peacefully- it has shown to be effective. We should practice this kind of citizen participation - peacefully- everywhere.

[znacine]

Love the videos man, just recently found your channel :D planing a visit in February, any tips about the weather and clothing? :D

[tulipwindmill]

My French mates are staying out of the city.They got caught up in the first one, but got home safe.One, who is a courier, has put Paris deliveries on hold for tomorrow.I do know that one of them will be working alongside the Police, he said same as you mostly peaceful, but idiots who cause trouble have joined and made matters worse, looting, property damage etc.I believe a few big attractions will be closed tomorrow.