A crucial warning for your travel plans this weekend in Marseille and the Bouches-du-Rhône department. While several gatherings were initially scheduled for Saturday, October 24, as part of “Act II” of the protests, the prefecture has just made significant changes to the rules applicable throughout the region. By order of the prefect, all demonstrations are now strictly prohibited throughout the department, and a curfew is in effect on Saturday and Sunday evenings starting at 11 p.m. in the center of Marseille. Here is a complete overview of the current regulatory framework and a reminder of the areas that were initially targeted.
Curfew and Ban on Gatherings: The New Measures in Effect This Weekend in Marseille
In response to the announced organization of “Act II” of the social protests, the Bouches-du-Rhône Prefecture has taken decisive action. By prefectural decree, all demonstrations—whether registered or not—are strictly prohibited throughout the department this Saturday, October 24. Jacques Witkowski specifies that this measure applies without exception, including for gatherings addressing issues other than purchasing power.
At the same time, nighttime curfew restrictions are being tightened in Marseille. While targeted measures had been in place for minors until Friday, a curfew extended to the entire population (minors and adults alike) is taking effect for the weekend. Here is a summary of the curfew rules:
- Hours: From 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., on the nights from Saturday to Sunday and from Sunday to Monday.
- Designated Area: Downtown Marseille, as well as the immediate vicinity of key public and institutional buildings (city hall, prefecture, courthouse).
When traveling, the prefecture and transportation authorities recommend planning your trips in advance and avoiding areas that are typically key gathering spots during demonstrations.
Act II of the protests: what was planned in Marseille and throughout the department
Before the prefectural decree banning demonstrations was published, several calls to action had been issued by the Yellow Vests, high school student organizations, and labor unions as part of “Act II” against the high cost of living.
In Marseille, numerous gathering points were scheduled throughout Saturday:
- Starting at 8 a.m.: A gathering was planned at the Prado-Carénage toll plaza.
- At 10 a.m.: Two gathering points were identified at Allées Léon-Gambetta (1st arrondissement), near the Réformés, and at the Bonneveine intersection (8th arrondissement).
- At 11 a.m.: A protest was announced in front of the École nationale supérieure maritime (8th arrondissement).
- Starting at 2 p.m.: The protest was to focus on three major areas of the city center: the Bouches-du-Rhône Prefecture (Place Félix-Baret), La Canebière, and Place Castellane.
In the rest of the department, other protests were also planned, notably in Aix-en-Provence and Arles. Although these gatherings are now officially banned and significant security measures have been deployed, these areas should still be avoided due to likely traffic disruptions.
