Protests in France against soaring living costs and declining public services turned violent over the weekend, with more than 500,000 people taking to the streets.
Hundreds of thousands of people marched through various cities in peaceful protests, although some set fire to Limoges City Hall, burning down the 19th-century building.
Lyon’s tourist office was set on fire, a supermarket was looted, and police officers, vehicles and luxury boutiques were attacked, in what has been described as the worst security situation in years.
Police used tear gas to control the crowd. One demonstrator died of a heart attack, and another lost a hand.
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised address to the nation on Sunday: “Those who looted will have to pay for the damage and those who tried to destroy the republic will be held accountable.”
He blamed the “unrestrained violence” on “insurgents from radical far-left groups joined by numerous criminals.”
The demonstrations began last month as high school students across Paris lamented poor school conditions, including a lack of teachers and inadequate equipment. The demonstrations evolved into nationwide protests.
Protesters march through central Paris amid fire, smoke, police presence and clashes during nationwide demonstrations against the soaring cost of living in Paris, France, October 17, 2026.
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
October 17, 2026: Protesters on October 17 in Limoges set fire to the town hall of Limoges-Haute-Vienne in France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Elise Cabane | AFP | Getty Images
Close-up of a fire in the bell tower of Limoges City Hall in Limoges-Haute-Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, on October 17, 2026. During a demonstration on October 17, protesters set City Hall on fire.
Elise Cabane | AFP | Getty Images
People clean a destroyed restaurant after a day of violent clashes between police and demonstrators in Paris, France, October 18, 2026, during a nationwide mobilization over rising costs of living, fuel prices and education funding. October 18, 2026.
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
Protesters climb the République statue at Place de la République in Paris, France, on October 17, 2026.
Guy Smallman Getty Images News | Getty Images
Police are taking safety precautions as roads across Paris show signs of damage.
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
Fires appear to be breaking out amid signs of damage on streets across Paris after a day of violent clashes between police and demonstrators.
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
On October 18, 2026, police and demonstrators clashed during a demonstration in Paris, France, during a nationwide mobilization over rising costs of living, fuel prices, and education funding.
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
On October 17, 2026, during violent riots in Paris, France, rioters torched a vehicle in the Canal Saint-Martin.
Lemon Hazen | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Demonstrators look on as police and demonstrators clash during a demonstration during a nationwide mobilization over rising costs of living, fuel prices and education funding in Paris, France, October 18, 2026.
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
On October 17, 2026, clashes broke out between demonstrators and riot police during a march against the high cost of living in Paris as part of nationwide demonstrations.
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
