International
oi-Ashish Rana
France witnessed widespread violence on Saturday, October 17, as protests over rising living costs escalated into looting, arson and clashes in several cities. Stores belonging to major international brands, including Apple, Louis Vuitton and Hermes, were among the businesses reportedly targeted during the unrest.
France experienced widespread violence, looting, and arson on Saturday, October 17, during living cost protests in cities like Paris and Bordeaux, targeting international brands (Apple, Louis Vuitton) and public buildings, resulting in 272 arrests as President Macron vowed prosecution.
Masked groups allegedly broke into shops, smashed windows and damaged public property in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lille. The violence also affected government buildings and other public establishments, raising concerns over the scale of destruction.
Apple, Louis Vuitton Stores Targeted In Bordeaux
According to French newspaper Le Parisien, citing AFP, Apple and Louis Vuitton stores were among the main targets in Bordeaux. Masked individuals reportedly broke into several shops along Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the city’s busiest shopping streets, and looted their premises.
Louis Vuitton, Apple, Hermès, Rolex, pharmacies, supermarkets, and more were looted in France during the protests. https://t.co/zTnniAs7en
— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) October 18, 2026
An Apple Store in Lille was also reportedly targeted, while a Hermes boutique in Marseille came under attack, according to regional news outlet Maritima. Other businesses, including supermarkets, pharmacies, clothing stores and electronics retailers, were also affected.
Arson And Vandalism Reported Across Cities
Paris witnessed incidents of vandalism, with masked individuals allegedly breaking shop windows and setting parked cars on fire. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds during confrontations.
Public buildings were also affected. In Lyon, a tourist office was reportedly set on fire, while town halls in Marseille and Lille were broken into and vandalised. In Limoges, a fire caused extensive damage to the city’s historic town hall.
The French Interior Ministry reported 272 arrests nationwide by 3 pm on Saturday as authorities responded to incidents across the country.
Macron Warns Of Legal Action Against Those Responsible
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and warned that those responsible would face legal consequences.
In a post on X late Saturday, Macron said, “Those who carried out vandalism, attacked administrative offices or businesses, or carried out looting, even in our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished.”
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu also criticised the violence, describing it as being of “extreme intensity”.
Estimates of protest participation differed. According to AFP, the Interior Ministry put the number at approximately 550,000, while the CGT trade union estimated around 800,000 participants. Although the demonstrations focused on rising living costs, the accompanying looting and damage became a major concern for authorities.
