Strikes and protests in January 2026 and how you may be affected

The new year has barely begun and France is already under pressure from major protests by two key groups – doctors and farmers.

With no full 2026 budget yet in place, other groups unhappy with the draft plans – including cross-sector unions and teachers – may also take action once the budget is finally adopted.

Below, we look at the confirmed strike action for the month. We will add to this article with new information when strikes are announced. 

January 5 - 15: Independent doctors 

A ten-day strike by healthcare staff is being widely backed, with up to 85% of independent doctors (médecins libéraux) joining the action.

Doctor’s surgeries, private hospitals, and operating theatres are all set to be affected, with appointments unavailable and scheduled operations postponed.

Unions called for the strike over the 2026 social security budget, which they say is economically unsound and gives the government too much power to set healthcare fees unilaterally. 

Read our article for tips on how to find healthcare during the strike. 

Further action is possible as the government is unlikely to renege on measures included in a text passed less than a month ago.

Ongoing: farmer protests 

Farmers continue major protests across France after a ‘Christmas truce’. 

They are demonstrating against both the treatment of cattleherds suffering from lumpy skin disease, as well as the implications of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, set to see a major vote on January 9.

Protest methods include roadblocks and demonstrations outside public offices such as mairies.

Unlike strike action in other sectors, farmers do not need to file strike notices and action can be sporadic, surprising local residents and authorities alike.

It also means there is no expected end date for the action. 

SNCF strike: January 13 

The SUD Rail union – one of the major representatives of rail workers – has called a one-day strike for Tuesday, January 13 to coincide with the start of annual negotiations between worker representatives and management. 

Negotiations come amid a tense atmosphere and several strikes by workers last year, most of which caused little disruption. 

Former Prime Minister Jean Castex is the new head of state rail operator SNCF, and in December 2025 announced a €400 bonus for staff, amid reported annual profits of €2 billion. 

The union is demanding that state rail operator SNCF increase wages by around €400 per month for all workers (which it says will cost €1.2 billion and is therefore within budget), as well as a 13th month of salary. 

It says these measures are fair considering the 13% rise in ticket costs. 

Currently, only SUD Rail has announced strike action for the day, meaning disruptions are likely to be limited. 

However, services including high-speed TGV, Intercités, and regional TER routes may all be disrupted. 

Full information and revised timetables will be available on Monday January 12 at 17:00.

Louvre staff - January 5 onwards 

Staff at the Louvre museum are renewing strike action that began before Christmas, following a pause over the holiday period.

Three major unions – CGT, CFDT and SUD – are backing the strike, which has no end date and is ‘renewable’ each day. 

They say museum staff are overworked, with management relying on passion to make up for working conditions. 

They also want improved security measures in light of the recent spectacular heist and changes to improve visitor experience during busy periods. Unions are also against incoming tariff increases for non-EU visitors, rising to €32. 

While the museum will likely remain open during the strike, access on some dates may be limited to major exhibitions (such as the Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa).