Foreign correspondent Jeff Paul reports on the growing unrest in France as far-left demonstrations spread to Belgium and prompt confrontations with police. Nile Gardiner, former adviser to Margaret Thatcher, joins 'The Faulkner Focus' to weigh in.
Top tourist destination in the world shuts down amid violent protests
by Jessica Mekles · Fox NewsNEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Louvre, the globe's most visited and prominent museum, has closed its doors as turmoil sweeps across Paris.
The institution, which houses renowned masterpieces like the "Mona Lisa," announced on Monday that it has shut down due to protesters barricading the entrances, pushing the disruption past a weekend of nationwide riots and demonstrations, according to local newspaper Le Monde.
"Dear visitors, due to student strikes, the museum is currently closed. We apologize for the inconvenience," the Louvre said in a post on X.
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No re-opening time was provided at the time of publication.
Visitors arriving for a Monday morning visit found the iconic glass pyramid, as well as the Carrousel du Louvre and Passage Richelieu entrances, barricaded by protesters from the École du Louvre, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The blockade — organized in solidarity with nationwide protests over the rising cost of living and recent police actions — forced management to turn away crowds at a site that normally draws up to 20,000 visitors on its busiest days, French media reported.
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The disruption extends far beyond the Louvre's courtyards.
Following a weekend of violent street clashes that left hundreds of businesses damaged and led to nearly 2,400 arrests across the country, other top Paris destinations, including the Eiffel Tower and major central shopping districts, have been heavily affected as international travelers navigate a city gripped by mass demonstrations and heightened security cordons, according to The Associated Press (AP).
The Eiffel Tower was recently forced to turn away visitors and close its operations for a full day after staff initiated a sudden strike, AP reported.
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The monument's unionized employees organized the walkout to protest limitations placed on female staff members during a private delegation's visit, completely halting public access to the world-famous iron structure, according to several French media outlets.
Outside the immediate city center, the Chateau de Versailles has also faced abrupt closures that have derailed tourists' itineraries.
The sprawling palace had to close its interior doors to the public on Oct. 6 following a severe power outage in the surrounding area, Xinhua News Agency reported.
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Operational hurdles have historically impacted several prominent cultural sites across the French capital.
In September 2025, major institutions including the Musee d'Orsay and the Arc de Triomphe experienced temporary closures due to staff shortages amid strikes over proposed government spending cuts, Artforum reported.
Jessica Mekles is an editor on the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.