ABSTRACT
In the aftermath of the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attacks, the reflex of the population to take to the streets in protest and solidarity was but the latest confirmation of how ‘la rue’ is a central arena for the French to express their frustrations, discontent and desires. This chapter will explain how the continued importance of the propensity to hit the street is to be understood via an appreciation of structural considerations specific to France. Furthermore, it will be argued that one must also take on board the weight of history and its significance to the French collective memory in order to fully make sense of the enduring prevalence of street protest.
