France arrests 1,800 after violent protests, historic Town Hall burned

France is assessing the damage caused by widespread violence following nationwide demonstrations over the rising cost of living, with authorities reporting around 1,800 arrests extensive looting and damage to businesses and public buildings.

France is assessing the damage caused by widespread violence following nationwide demonstrations over the rising cost of living, with authorities reporting around 1,800 arrests extensive looting and damage to businesses and public buildings.

The protests took place on Saturday, with violence reported in Paris and several other cities including Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Strasbourg and Lyon. The unrest left streets littered with burnt debris, damaged vehicles and smashed shopfronts.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said approximately 1,800 people had been arrested, including 557 people taken into custody in Paris. Authorities are investigating the incidents to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.

Around 1,500 businesses were damaged, according to the Retail and Trade Federation, which estimated the financial losses at hundreds of millions of euros.

The city of Limoges suffered major damage when its 19th-century town hall was engulfed in flames. Local prefect Maurice Barate said the fire appeared to have been deliberately started and was brought under control early Sunday.

In Lyon, a tourist office was also set on fire during clashes and looting. Paris and other urban centres reported damaged shops burnt vehicles and debris left behind after the demonstrations.

Paris deputy mayor Lamia El Aaraje described the violence in the capital as unprecedented. Residents also expressed fear and frustration over the destruction in their neighbourhoods.

Authorities said one person died during the main Paris march, but the death was attributed to a health-related cause rather than protest violence. The interior minister also reported that around 500 police officers, firefighters and paramedics were injured.

The demonstrations were organised amid public anger over rising living costs. France’s Interior Ministry estimated that approximately 550,000 people took part nationwide while the CGT trade union put the figure at 800,000.

The Yellow Vest movement, known for its earlier protests against fuel-tax increases, had called for the latest “yellow and youth” demonstrations.

French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to address the nation on Sunday after meeting senior ministers. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was due to chair a crisis meeting on Monday to discuss assistance for affected businesses, insurance issues and prosecutions.

Political leaders have traded accusations over responsibility for the unrest. Government figures and far-right leader Marine Le Pen blamed ultra-left groups while left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon accused authorities of worsening tensions.

US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance also commented on the unrest linking it to immigration and integration. Their claims represent their political assessments rather than an established explanation for the violence.

Although many demonstrations were reported to be peaceful, the scale of the destruction has intensified pressure on French authorities to restore order and address public concerns over living costs.