Bikers demonstrating in Paris this Sunday against the EPZ, the area to avoid

A demonstration of angry motorcyclists is scheduled to take place in Paris this Sunday, April 6. The aim of the rally is clear: to demand the abolition of low-emission zones (ZFE), deemed unfair by some road users. The procession plans to march through the capital, in what promises to be a noisy, protesting atmosphere. This action is part of a wider protest movement, with other mobilizations announced in Paris on the same day.

Bikers are determined to make their voices heard this Sunday, April 6, despite other demonstrations already planned. While the Rassemblement Nationaland left-wing parties will be demonstrating at Place Vauban and Place de la République respectively, another front is opening up underAnne Hidalgo 's windows: the Fédération française des motards en colère (FFMC -French Federation of Angry Motorcyclists ) is calling for a static rally on Avenue Victoria, opposite Hôtel de Ville in the 4th arrondissement, from 2pm. The aim: to call for thedefinitive abandonment of ZFEs( low-emission zones ), which restrict access to older vehicles in major conurbations.

When and where will the bikers' demonstration take place?

The mobilization will start at 2pm on Avenue Victoria (4th arrondissement), in the heart of Paris. The motorcycle procession will then move on to Place de la Nation, without a detailed official itinerary. This move could affect several arteries in central and eastern Paris.

What places should I avoid during the event?

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area around the Hôtel de Ville,Avenue Victoria and Rue de Rivoli, as well as the roads leading to Place de la Nation, notably via Boulevard du Temple, Boulevard Voltaire and Boulevard Diderot. Traffic disruptions are expected throughout the afternoon, mainly due to the noise and crowds.

Why this mobilization against EPZs now?

The protest comes at a time when theFrench National Assembly is due to debate the abolition of the ZFEs, voted in late March by a special commission as part of the simplification law. For the FFMC and the collectives involved, the ZFEs are an unfair and anti-social measure, penalizing low-income users and forcing the costly renewal of vehicles, without sufficient transport alternatives.

What other areas should be avoided in Paris this Sunday?

Paris will be criss-crossed by several demonstrations on Sunday, April 6:

Place Vauban (7th arrondissement): Rassemblement National rally in support of Marine Le Pen, recently convicted. Heavy police presence and filtering in the vicinity of the École Militaire.
Place de la République (11th arrondissement): counter-demonstration organized by La France insoumise and the ecologists, in response to the RN rally. Risk of tension and disorder, with increased controls around the boulevards of northeastern Paris.

In summary, the areas to avoid this Sunday in Paris are: avenue Victoria, Hôtel de Ville, place de la Nation, place Vauban and place de la République, as well as the main roads linking these areas. Public transport may also be affected, notably metro lines 1, 5, 8, 9, 11 and 13.

This Sunday, April 6, between social anger, political tension and environmental conflicts, the capital will be under high pressure. The ZFE, a symbol of this tension, will be at the heart of the debates... and the horns.