# Looting, Blazes and Clashes in France Amid Protests

> French protests turn violent as looters target luxury stores and police clash with demonstrators.
- Title: Looting, Blazes and Clashes in France Amid Protests · Dawn
- Summary: French protests turn violent as looters target luxury stores and police clash with demonstrators. French protesters clashed with police during nationwide…
- Keywords: france, protests, inflation, macron, police, looting, high cost of living, student protests, yellow vests, paris, news, politics
- Source: Dawn — https://dawn.com/news/2037825/looting-blazes-and-clashes-in-france-amid-nationwide-protests
- Author: AFP
- Published: 2026-10-17T11:36:13+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: france, protests, inflation, macron, police, looting, high cost of living, student protests, yellow vests, paris, news, politics
## Violent clashes in Paris
Police and protesters clashed violently in Paris and other French cities on Saturday amid nationwide marches against soaring inflation.
## Injuries and arrests
One demonstrator’s hand was blown off by a police crowd-control grenade, and over 130 arrests were made during the protests.
## Looting spree
Demonstrators looted dozens of stores including Hermes boutiques, Apple stores, and mobile phone outlets across Marseille and Paris.
## Student-led protests
High school students blocked roads and demanded better learning conditions as part of nationwide demonstrations against high living costs.
## Yellow Vest movement
The Yellow Vest movement organized 'yellow and youth' demonstrations, appealing to teachers, students, workers, pensioners, and farmers to protest against inflation.
## Political reactions
Opposition candidates criticized the protests, with Marine Le Pen blaming 'rioters' for tarnishing the demonstrations and Jean-Luc Melenchon claiming peaceful conditions.
## Protesters' demands
Demonstrators cited high inflation, upcoming elections in 2027, political corruption, and climate issues as reasons for their protests.
## Violent confrontations
Protesters set fires, smashed tourist offices, and vandalized town halls in cities including Lyon, Marseille, and Lille.
## Police response
Police used tear gas and water cannons against masked protesters, who threw projectiles and aimed fireworks during demonstrations.
## Student perspectives
A 18-year-old student said protests were for 'elections in 2027, politicians who lie, and the ultra-rich taking more wealth over the past decade.'
## Historical context
The protests follow weeks of high-school student blockades demanding better learning conditions and the Yellow Vest movement's eight-year history of protests against Macron's government.
## Protesters' unity
Demonstrators across France united under the slogan 'We're not giving up' and referenced the French Revolution of 1789.
## Election context
With just months to go before the two-round elections in April and May to choose Macron’s successor, protesters demanded political change.
## Public reaction
Paris mayor Emmanuel Gregoire stated that 'the overwhelming majority of demonstrators' wanted to 'march calmly' but 'acts of vandalism' tarnished their protest.
## Violence escalation
Demonstrators set fires, smashed tourist offices, and vandalized town halls in cities including Lyon, Marseille, and Lille.
## What happens next
Protests continue as French citizens demand political change amid rising inflation and economic instability.
## Key takeaway

French protesters clashed with police during nationwide demonstrations against high living costs, resulting in injuries, looted stores, and over 130 arrests.