France travel advice: FCO update after Strasbourg incident
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice after a shooting in Strasbourg on December 11. It says authorities are still tracking down the attacker and that travellers should "exercise caution and follow the advice of the French authorities at all times."
A number of fatalities and injuries have resulted from the attack.
"Yellow jacket" advice
The FCO website also highlights recent protests linked to fuel prices, which have taken place across France.
"These demonstrations could be widespread and could cause extensive disruption," the FCO website states. "Recent demonstrations in Paris have led to violence and extensive damage to property. Outside Paris, related demonstrations are likely to occur in other towns and cities across the country."
It says UK motorists may be delayed by protesters blocking the motorways at toll booths, and advises: "In all cases, you should avoid any demonstrations if at all possible and follow the advice of the local authorities."
The FCO urges those heading to France to check with their transport providers for updates on delays or cancellations.
Alternative routes into France
It provides a link to a Department for Transport map which details alternative routes into France from the UK and Ireland.
The DfT website recommends that those using cross-Channel services should: "check availability; book ahead; plan your journey."
The website also reminds visitors to France that a number of migrants remain around Calais and that they may try to enter the UK illegally.
The FCO says: "There have been instances of migrants seeking to slow down traffic on approach roads to ports, including by placing obstacles on the Calais Port approach road."
Additional security over Christmas and New Year
The site also says there may be more security personnel on duty over the Christmas and New Year period.
The site reminds readers that 17 million UK citizens visit France every year, and that most visits are trouble free. The most common problem faced by tourists is pickpocketing.
The world's most popular tourist destination
Despite a challenging few years, France remains the most popular tourist destination in the world, with around 82million visitors annually. The country boasts a number of historic cities including Paris and Lyon, alongside ski resorts, beaches, theme parks and no less than 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (natural, cultural and mixed).
Travel insurance
Many costs and problems encountered abroad can be pre-empted by taking out high quality travel insurance before you leave the UK. As the FCO states: "It is important to take out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling abroad."
Insurance from starttravel.co.uk covers emergency medical and repatriation expenses; cancellation and curtailment; personal effects and possessions; and legal expenses, with optional winter sports equipment cover for loss, damage or theft of skis or snowboard. Other add-ons are also available, including golf equipment cover and business trip cover.