France counts damage after 550,000 join protests marred by riots

Burnt-out cars, charred bikes and shattered shopfronts lined pavements in Paris on Sunday after nationwide demonstrations on Saturday drew about 550,000 people. The marches were largely peaceful, but parts of Paris, Marseille and other cities saw rioting and looting. BBC

Protesters demonstrated against rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services, including schools. The nationwide mobilization took place on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Groups in Paris, Marseille and other towns and cities set fire to cars and buildings, and looting took place in Paris, Marseille and Lille, as well as other areas.

In Paris, riot police used tear gas and water cannon on crowds clashing with them. At least one restaurant was gutted by fire. On Sunday morning, smashed storefronts included designer stores Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Versace.

In Marseille, protesters broke into the city hall using a metal fence as a battering ram. In Lille, a McDonald's was set on fire and an Apple store was broken into and looted. A fire at Limoges town hall caused part of the building to collapse, and local officials said the town hall was largely lost. Lyon's tourist office was burned.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured in the unrest. Police arrested about 1,800 people on Saturday. In Saint-Étienne, a young man had his hand blown off by a small explosive.

About 110 marches took place across France, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. ABC News More than 10,000 police officers and gendarmes were mobilized for the demonstrations, including at least 5,000 in Paris alone. CNews