The rural world continues its standoff with the government by organizing blockades on many roads. If the Paris region is expected to be the epicenter of the protest this Monday, other cities, large and small, will also be affected. It is worth noting that farmers will not be the only ones mobilizing, as taxi drivers have also planned to demonstrate.
Amid the chaos on the highways of France, farmers are expected to continue their protests on Monday, January 29. Particularly in the Île-de-France region, where unions have announced a “siege of the capital” starting at 2 p.m. “for an indefinite duration”. Other cities, such as Lyon and Marseille, are also expected to be affected. TF1info provides an overview of what to expect.
Risk of a “blockade” in Paris
The situation is expected to escalate from early afternoon around Paris. Eight “blockade points” are planned: at the Chennevières area (A1 motorway), near Jossigny (A4), at Ourdy (A5), Villabé (A6), at the Buchelay toll (A13), at Longivilliers (A10), between the Gennevilliers bridge and the D311 (A15), and near the D301 interchange in Isle-Adam (A16), as indicated Sunday evening by the FRSEA of Île-de-France. “An important defensive device” is also expected for several sensitive locations potentially targeted by farmers, such as the Rungis market and the airports in the Paris region.
Slowdowns in Lyon
The mobilization is expected to resume early Monday around Lyon, according to the Rhône prefecture, which mentioned a “snail operation” from the Monts du Lyonnais, followed by highway blockades, particularly on the A450. Local branches of the FNSEA and the JA have promised “ramifications throughout the region”. A blockade operation could be organized at the Saint-Quentin-Fallavier toll booth from the morning in both directions.
Farmers in Aix, taxis in Marseille
In the South as well, traffic jams are expected. While blockades by the Rural Coordination are expected at the interchange between the A51 and the N296 in Aix-en-Provence, Monday could also be difficult in Marseille, where taxi drivers are expected to paralyze the city. To oppose the transport rates established by the National Health Insurance Fund for sick transportation, they have announced their intention to block the city center.
Several departments affected
In Pas-de-Calais, a blockade of the A16 could be observed on Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in both directions at Etaples, Wailly-Beaucamp, and Isques (27 kilometers affected). In Corrèze, on the A20, diversions will be implemented at 8:30 am. The same goes for the A89, with a closure between interchanges 22 and 24 in both directions at 9:30 am, leading to a detour via the D1089.
In Isère, the A480 highway is expected to remain blocked in the city of Grenoble. Blockades are also still in place at the junction of the A43 and A48 highways in Coiranne, as reported by France Bleu Isère. Another blockade is ongoing on the A7 highway in Chanas.
In a similar fashion to Marseille, other major cities will be affected by the taxi drivers’ protest as well. In Toulouse, professionals are expected to gather at the airport for a site blockade early in the morning, starting at 6:30 am. There will also be flash actions, including snail operations in the Toulouse area. Meanwhile, farmers will mobilize on Tuesday.
In Lille, also, taxi drivers are likely to steal the show from the farmers. A gathering at 6 a.m. will take place in Dourges, before heading to Lesquin, thus blocking the A1 highway. The city center of Lille could be affected later. “Several hundred Taxis/VTC from several departments in the region are expected. Access to the city of Lille from the highways will be difficult throughout the day,” warned the prefecture.
In Gironde, “several hundred taxis from several departments in the region are expected” in Bordeaux. The prefecture advises residents to “favor teleworking and limit travel”. On Monday, taxis plan to organize a snail operation on the ring road before converging on the city center.
