Foreign Office issues safety warning for travellers to France and adds 'there is a risk'

The Foreign Office has issued a new warning for anyone travelling to France this weekend saying there is the potential for ‘unrest or violence’. Fiercely contested elections are taking place on July 7 and officials are alerting travellers to take extra care.

In a frightening incident last night French government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot was attacked on the campaign trail, just days before a high-stakes legislative election, officials said. Ms Thevenot, a candidate for the Emmanuel Macron-led centrist alliance Ensemble, her deputy and a party activist were putting up electoral posters near Paris on Wednesday night ahead of the July 7 poll when a group attacked them, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said on the social media platform X.

Media outlets reported that Ms Thevenot was not injured and will continue to campaign, but her deputy and the party activist were taken to hospital. It was not immediately clear what type of injuries they suffered.

The prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into an assault with a weapon against a public official, but provided no indication of what the motivation for the attack was. The election which has pitted the hard right and left parties against each other could lead to violent scenes.

The Foreign Office said: “Demonstrations, political gatherings, or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities. Follow the advice of police and local authorities. While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence. If you’re near areas where demonstrations are taking place, stay aware of your surroundings and move away if there are signs of disorder.

“Elections taking place in France on Sunday 7 July could make demonstrations more likely.” UK officials have also warned that there are likely to be issues travelling in France due to industrial action.

The Foreign Office said: “Planned industrial action by port worker and air traffic control unions is expected to disrupt some ferry routes and flights across France, with some routes and flights diverted or cancelled.

“Check your operator’s advice before travelling, including where you are taking connecting flights. Until September, possible industrial action may cause disruption on the Paris public transport system (RATP). Check the RATP website for live service updates.”