Boarded Windows, Closed Museums: Businesses Across France Prepare for Another Day of Protests

Shops Brace for Saturday

Stores on the Champs-Élysées were boarded up Friday ahead of another weekend of protests. The avenue is home to luxury retailers including Dior, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Moncler.

Some shop owners in central Paris also boarded up their businesses as a precaution. The Marais shopping district and Place de la République were among the areas hit by violence last weekend.

Museums Close Their Doors

The Louvre and other major Paris tourist attractions closed for the day. The museum said on its website that it would be shut Saturday and that reservations would be reimbursed. The Louvre had also closed earlier in the week after student protests blocked its entrances.

Authorities Prepare for Crowds

Last weekend’s student-led demonstrations over the cost of living turned into violent riots and looting in some places. Business leaders condemned the looting that took place on October 17, including Lacoste CEO Thierry Guibert and Galeries Lafayette executive chairman Nicolas Houzé.

Travel Advisory and Wider Protests

The US Embassy in France warned Americans Thursday to avoid demonstrations. It said curfews could continue across the country, including in some Paris neighborhoods, and advised visitors in Paris for the NFL game on Sunday, October 25, to exercise caution. Protests are also expected in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Albania.