A statement on the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau website said, "Following the attacks perpetrated on Nov. 13 in Paris, three days of national mourning have been decreed."
The tourism board noted that all sites and activities in the city are currently closed, including museums, department stores, parks and gardens.
A statement from the French Ministry of Culture said many cultural sites would remain shuttered on Sunday and warned private operators to cease operations or to stay vigilant and take extra security measures.
"The closure decision, in the Ile-de-France (related to) ... cultural public institutions ... and higher education schools under the Ministry of Culture and Communication is extended for Sunday, November 15, 2015," said the statement on the Ministry of Culture website. "Furthermore, and in accordance with the recommendations of the Police Headquarters, the Ministry of Culture and Communication maintains its recommendation to private operators of the cultural sector to postpone any public gathering or strengthen security measures in particular for the control of access to inputs and filtering of these establishments if they decide to keep the protests under their responsibility."
Public transportation within the city is operating as usual. At airports and Gare du Nord, the train station handling Eurostar arrivals and departures, officials said that visitors should expect longer than normal wait times due to police controls. Currently, Eurostar trains to and from Paris are running on time. Thalys and SNCF trains are also running as scheduled according to statements on their individual websites.
All Paris Tourist Office information points are currently closed.
An emergency number for tourists has been set up: +33-1-45-50-34-60
The U.S. State Department says U.S. citizens can contact 888-407-4747 (from the U.S.) or 202-501-4444 (from other countries) for assistance.
"Our embassy in Paris is making every effort to account for the welfare of American citizens in the city, and in the days ahead we stand ready to provide whatever support the French government may require," said Secretary of State John Kerry. "France is our oldest ally, a friend and a vital partner. We stand with the French people tonight, as our peoples have always stood together in our darkest hours. These terrorist attacks will only deepen our shared resolve."
If you are checking on a U.S. citizen in Paris, you can call 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. or email [email protected].
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
