Metro UK · সাধারণ

Dramatic pictures show curfews in Paris after France witnesses the worst rioting in years

২০/১০/২০২৬

Police in France are bracing for more rioting today after widespread curfews appeared to stem the massive protests last night.

Paris and Marseille remained ‘calm’ overnight, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said, citing the new curfews.

But photos today show the extensive damage across cities in France, where buildings have burned and statues have been destroyed.

There are fears that tonight’s European Champions League tie match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona could trigger more unrest.

Officials are considering introducing a curfew around Parc des Princes ahead of the match.

A group of protesters blocking access to the famous Louvre pyramid — Iconic landmarks have been locked down for security reasons (Picture: Reuters)

Sign up for all of the latest stories

Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.

TOPSHOT - A protester wrapped in a French national flag stands in front of Lyon's tourism office set on fire during a demonstration to protest against the "high cost of living", in Lyon, southeastern France, on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vests", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by Jeff PACHOUD / AFP via Getty Images) — Buildings have burned and been trashed by rioters (Picture: AFP)

If not, a ring of steel will include around 5000 riot police on duty around Paris, and the deployment of armoured cars and water cannons.

An Interior Ministry source said: ‘This is a hugely sensitive time, with violence likely to break out at any time, especially when large crowds gather.

‘Thousands of extra officers will be on duty for the game, and they will include special forces officers.’

Over the weekend, French President Emmanuel Macron blamed ‘agitators from far-Left fringe groups, joined by numerous criminals’ for plunging his country into ‘unbridled violence.’

The head of state made an impassioned plea ‘for unity’ following chaos involving up to a half-a-million protesters.

Mr Macron said: ‘Businesses have been looted, while public buildings, shops, and town halls have been attacked. Looking at these images, we have all asked ourselves how French people could do this to France.’

BGUK_3719702 - Paris, FRANCE A demonstration involving students, trade unions and political parties descends into chaos in Paris, France, on 17 October 2026, with widespread looting and destruction. Barricades and damaged property are visible during the mobilisation. Pictured: GV, General view BACKGRID UK 19 OCTOBER 2026 BYLINE MUST READ: BEST IMAGE / BACKGRID UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com *Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication* — Cities across France are facing unrest (Picture: Backgrid)

This photograph shows a fire burning and destroying the city hall after a group of individuals forced entry into the building during ongoing protest action against the "high cost of living", in Limoges, central France on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former "Yellow Vest", secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. (Photo by Melaine PAYZAL / AFP via Getty Images) — Limoges city hall was burned to the ground during the riots (Picture: AFP)

He said he was particularly upset at Limoges City Hall being burnt, along with a tourist office in Lyon.

And he said the sacking of Marseille city hall, and an attack on the Prefect’s Residence in Bordeaux should never be repeated.

‘Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it,’ said Mr Macron.

French police have already admitted that they ‘lost control’ of major cities during a weekend of ‘apocalyptic rioting’.

‘It was apocalyptic,’ said a high-ranking officer. ‘Law enforcement was unable to contain the multitude of simultaneous attacks occurring across the country, and was quickly overwhelmed by determined protesters.’

There have been almost five weeks of protests by school and university students against France’s crumbling education system.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

মূল প্রতিবেদনে যান ↗