France experienced widespread damage on Sunday morning after protests on Saturday turned into riots and looting across various cities. Police arrested approximately 1,800 people as an estimated 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets.
The protests were primarily against rising fuel prices, the cost of living, and deteriorating public services. While many demonstrations were peaceful, groups of rioters, some masked, set fire to cars and buildings in Paris, Marseille, and other locations.
Looting was reported in Paris, Marseille, and Lille, with designer stores like Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and Versace among those affected. A McDonald's in Lille was set on fire, and an Apple store in the city was broken into and looted, according to police.
In Paris, protesters clashed with riot police, who used tear gas and water cannon. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that 150 police officers were injured during the unrest. Fires also damaged buildings, including a restaurant in Paris, the tourist office in Lyon, and Limoges town hall, which local officials said was "largely lost."
In Saint-Étienne, the city's Mayor Régis Juanico reported on social media that a young man "had his hand blown off" by a small explosive.