Violent protests over rising living costs descended into widespread looting across France on Saturday, October 17, with stores belonging to Apple, Louis Vuitton and Hermès among those targeted.
Masked individuals
reportedly broke into businesses and vandalised public property in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lille, as demonstrations were overshadowed by arson and clashes.
According to French newspaper Le Parisien, citing AFP, Apple and Louis Vuitton stores were among the businesses majorly targeted in Bordeaux. Masked groups reportedly broke into multiple shops along Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the city’s busiest shopping streets, and looted their premises.
In Lille, an Apple Store was also reportedly targeted, AFP reported. Meanwhile, a Hermès boutique in Marseille came under attack, according to French regional news outlet Maritima.
The incidents formed part of widespread unrest that affected several French cities as demonstrations over the rising cost of living took place nationwide. Businesses across different sectors, including supermarkets, pharmacies, luxury boutiques, clothing outlets and electronics retailers, were reportedly targeted during the violence.
Looting, Arson And Clashes Reported Across French Cities
Paris witnessed several incidents of vandalism as masked individuals allegedly smashed shop windows and set parked cars on fire. The unrest also led to confrontations with law enforcement personnel, who reportedly used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
The violence was not limited to commercial establishments, with public buildings also coming under attack. 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, adding to concerns over the scale of destruction reported during the demonstrations.
The French Interior Ministry reported that 272 people had been arrested nationwide by 3 pm on Saturday. The arrests came as authorities dealt with incidents of looting, vandalism and clashes in multiple locations.
Emmanuel Macron Condemns Violence
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the acts of vandalism and looting, warning 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.”
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu also criticised the violence witnessed during the demonstrations, describing it as being of “extreme intensity”.
The scale of participation in the nationwide protests remained contested, with different estimates emerging from the authorities and trade unions. According to AFP, the French Interior Ministry estimated that approximately 550,000 people had taken part in demonstrations across the country. The CGT trade union, however, put the number at around 800,000.
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
While the demonstrations were centred on concerns over rising living costs, the accompanying violence and damage to businesses and public infrastructure became a major focus of attention.
The reported incidents involving prominent international brands, alongside attacks on local establishments and government buildings, highlighted the extent of the unrest across France.
Disclaimer: This article is based on user-generated content. The claims made in the original post have not been independently verified by News18.
