The key facts

  • In Lyon, the tourist office building was on fire and nearby shops were looted
  • In Paris, storefronts were damaged at Les Halles, the Palais Garnier opera house, and Nike, Sephora and Burger King stores
  • In Marseille, Rue Saint-Ferréol is being cleaned up, and an information point has been opened for affected businesses

Cleanup after the riots

In France's three largest cities — Paris, Lyon and Marseille — municipal workers, shop owners and volunteers on Sunday, October 18, were clearing away broken glass and restoring storefronts after Saturday's nationwide demonstrations against the rising cost of living, which escalated into riots and looting.

Lyon

In Lyon, firefighters extinguished a fire at the city's tourist office: the facade remained scorched and smoke continued to rise from the building. Nearby shops were vandalized and looted. Residents photographed the destruction, while groups of young people joined the cleanup, helping to restore the streets damaged during Saturday's violence.

Paris

In Paris, broken windows and damaged storefronts were visible at the Les Halles shopping center, the Palais Garnier opera house, and at several major retailers, including Nike, Sephora and Burger King.

Marseille

In Marseille, cleanup crews were washing Rue Saint-Ferréol, where the riots had left damaged shops, scattered shoe boxes and litter. The city opened an information point for affected businesses, and municipal police patrolled the area.