The key facts

  • Limoges town hall (143 years old) set on fire by a group of people after nationwide protests against the cost of living
  • Prefect Maurice Arthuis: the roof collapsed, the west wing survived, about two-thirds of the facade destroyed
  • Saturday demonstrations escalated into violence in several French cities; damage is being assessed

Fire at the historic Limoges town hall

In the center of the French city of Limoges, the historic town hall was engulfed in flames: the 143-year-old building was set on fire by a group of people amid unrest that broke out after nationwide protests against the rising cost of living.

Prefecture data on the extent of the destruction

According to the department's prefect, Maurice Arthuis, the roof collapsed onto the lower floors — with the exception of the west wing, which survived. About two-thirds of the building's exterior facade has already been destroyed by fire.

Protest context and damage assessment

The fire started shortly after Saturday demonstrations, which escalated into violence in several French cities. The extent of the damage to the town hall was still being assessed at the time of publication.