[Petronski]

I'd say so. It's much more breathtaking to say "Riots in Paris" (!), than to say "localized violent street demonstrations in the 13th arrondissement east of the university district."

[Earthdweller]

oui..

[July 4th]

Ah, the French in their element. Marching with banners that say "retreat."

[Earthdweller]

I drove all over the 1st to the 7th today. Nothing.....

Nothing in the south of France over the weekend as well. Not even a pickpocket. How boring.

I did however see a lot of drunks lying in the streets and several women in veils (muslims?) approached my spouse and I for money.

We leave tomorrow. Will update if anything new.

[austinTparty]

Actually, it was along the route from the Place de la Republique to the Place d'Italie, so 3rd, 4th, 5th, down to 13th. The city is not all aflame, this is in pretty avoidable areas. It is as if the post-Rodney King riots were extrapolated to mean the US was a no-go zone. That said, there are some very violent "casseurs" coming in from the suburban ghettos to capitalize on the chaos. They have nothing better to do because literally 50% of them are unemployed. The strict French labor laws essentially keep them on the dole, where idle hands are the devil's playground...