In pictures: 10 images of the protests that are spreading through France

Here are ten images of the protests that continue into the week.

Violent clashes, fires and looting marred demonstrations across France as hundreds of thousands of people marched against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools.

About 400 people were arrested nationwide, interior minister Laurent Nunez said.

Mr Nunez said 110 marches drew about 550,000 people across the country.

Organisers, including the CGT labour union and students’ organisations, said about 800,000 demonstrators took to the streets.

Mr Nunez described troublemakers as “extremely violent, radical far-left groups” whom, he said, sought confrontations with police and targeted public buildings, including city halls and local government offices.

He said those groups have been joined by offenders willing to loot shops.

Most of those arrested are adults, he said.

Here are ten images of the protests that continue into the week, and are spreading across Europe.

1. Waving the flag

A protester waving a French national flag walks past a fire during clashes prior to the start of a demonstration to protest against the "high cost of living", in Marseille | AFP via Getty Images

2. Graffiti

A man cleans graffiti on the statue of Vercingetorix on Place de Jaude in Clermont-Ferrand. | Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

3. A protester

A protester, wrapped in a flag of France, stands in the smoke at Place de l'Opera during ongoing protest action against the "high cost of living", in Lille. | AFP via Getty Images

4. Lyon

A protester kicks a projectile as he stands among tear gas in front of Lyon's tourism office. | AFP via Getty Images