Strikes in Paris see landmarks closed to tourists

Many landmarks and tourist attractions in Paris were closed this week, much to the astonishment and disappointment of tourists in the city, many of whom travel to the French capital in part to savour its world-renowned cultural offerings.

Most of Paris’ most famous landmarks and museums were shut with notices on entrances explaining that they would remain closed due to lack of staff. The respective French employees had reportedly gone on strike to protest the French government’s decision proposing job cuts in some of these institutions.

One of the world’s most famous cities, Paris, is known all over for its rich culture. Its beautifully built museums and galleries house some of the best pieces of art in the world. The home of Europe’s largest collection of modern art, The Pompidou Centre was closed. Famous monuments such as The Arc de Triomphe and the towers of the Notre Dame Cathedral closed doors to the public, meaning that some of the best places around the city had shut shop.

For some days of the week, the most famous art gallery in the world, The Louvre, had closed its doors. Housing arguably, Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous work of art, The Mona Lisa, had to be shut completely on Thursday. On account of heckles and jeers from a storm of tourists gathered outside its entrance, The Louvre had to open up for at least some part of the day on Friday.

Since Paris relies heavily on its culture, it is expected that this unprecedented strike—for which tourists were given no warning—will impact the image of Paris as a tourist destination.