Curfews, protests and a Paris shooting: is it still safe to travel to France?

With tens of thousands of Australians setting off for France this month, recent widespread protests, a suspected terrorist attack and localised curfews across the country are raising a crucial question for holidaymakers: is it still safe to go?

But before you go cancelling those croissant-filled plans, here is what the travel safety experts say you actually need to know before you board your flight to France.

Widespread protests have gripped major French cities including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Nantes.

What began as organised union, student and political protests have spiralled into broader urban clashes, widespread vandalism and looting of businesses.

A first wave of protests and riots first occurred across the weekend of October 17 to 19, and a second wave took place on Saturday, October 24, with potential future protests flagged for October 31 and November 5.

Police have responded with localised nighttime curfews - typically between 11pm and 5am or 6am - in affected parts of Paris as well as Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes, Nice and Lille.

A separate incident, a suspected terrorist attack, occurred on Friday, October 23, when a shooting rampage took place in the southwestern suburbs of Paris.

One man was fatally shot and five other people were injured, including a 12-year-old girl.

Analysis of ABS departure data by research firm Primara Research for PRX Vault shows approximately 22,000 Australians return from France in a typical October.

Smartraveller, the Australian government's travel advisory service, advises travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution" due to the large-scale protests and demonstrations in France.

"Authorities may impose public safety measures, including partial and localised curfews, in some locations. Follow the advice of authorities, stay informed and avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity," Smartraveller says.

The service says France uses a three-level alert system for responding to threats to security and public safety. The current level is "vigilance renforcee" which means "enhanced vigilance".

Smartraveller has not issued any warnings specific to the shooting.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides consular assistance to Australians impacted by events in France, through the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (in Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas).

View Smartraveller's France travel advice here and general advice about protests and civil unrest here.

Brent Ritchie, professor of tourism management at University of Queensland Business School, says France remains a reasonable destination for Australian holidaymakers, but travellers should exercise greater caution given the recent unrest.

"The shooting outside Paris is particularly concerning and adds another dimension to the security situation, beyond the disruption associated with protests. The fact that French authorities are investigating a possible racially motivated terrorist attack is especially troubling," Ritchie tells Explore.

"France has a long history of protests and industrial action, but we shouldn't normalise the current violence simply because demonstrations are relatively common. The scale of the recent unrest, together with the shooting, makes the situation more unpredictable for visitors."

He says he wouldn't recommend Aussies cancel their trip to France, but he would encourage travellers to "think carefully about where they are staying, what activities they have planned and how they might respond if the situation deteriorates".

He says protests do not necessarily mean the whole country is unsafe.

"Most tourist activities can continue, but visitors should avoid demonstrations, monitor local developments and be prepared for sudden disruptions to transport and attractions," he says.

"Australia's current travel advice is to exercise a high degree of caution, rather than avoid travelling to France altogether."

But he warns this is "not a time for complacency".

"Travellers need to remain informed, avoid demonstrations and areas of heightened tension, and be prepared to change their plans at short notice," Ritchie says.

Ritchie says he would avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, including any affected areas within central Paris and other major cities that have experienced unrest, including Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux.

"Particular caution is warranted around Place de la Republique and Les Halles in Paris, where temporary restrictions and curfews have been imposed," Ritchie said.

"However, I wouldn't suggest avoiding entire cities or regions. The situation is quite localised and can change rapidly."

Southern Cross Travel Insurance's chief customer officer, Jess Strange, says conditions vary across multiple locations in France, so travellers should check what's happening around their accommodation and planned activities.

Protests have also been reported in Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Albania, and these should be assessed "country by country".

Strange says travellers can expect visible security patrols and potentially additional checks, bag searches, queues or access restrictions.

"Stay alert in public places, allow extra time and follow instructions from security personnel," she warns.

"We can't predict how long the unrest will continue. The practical approach is to keep monitoring official updates and prepare to be flexible when it comes to travel plans."

Strange says the warnings should be taken seriously and the latest travel advice should be checked before departure and throughout your holiday.

And in case your plans are affected, being flexible with your itinerary helps, Strange says.

University of Queensland's Ritchie also recommends keeping an eye on public transport and airline announcements, as the possibility of further demonstrations means visitors should anticipate possible disruptions to transport, attractions and services.

"Allow extra time for connections, particularly if travelling by rail, and avoid approaching demonstrations out of curiosity," he says.

"Even peaceful protests can escalate quickly, and tourists can find themselves caught up in events they don't understand. It is also worth having alternative plans for sightseeing and transport.

"France remains one of the world's great tourism destinations, and I wouldn't automatically cancel a holiday because of the current situation. The key is understanding that the travel environment is more unpredictable than usual and making sensible adjustments."