# French protests: Clashes in some cities but largely peaceful so far
Live updates
Paris — Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday, with most demonstrations remaining peaceful. Police used tear gas in several cities including Lyon and Marseille, while in Bordeaux protesters built barricades from shop boards. In Paris, more than 110,000 marched, with authorities reporting over 3,000 checks and 65 arrests.
Lyon and Marseille — Clashes were reported in both cities. In Marseille, police ran out of tear gas canisters during last weekend's unrest; today's situation remained calmer but tear gas was still deployed.
Bordeaux — Protesters were seen tearing boards from a shop and forming barricades in the south-west.
Strasbourg — A large procession set off in the north-east, with thousands taking part.
Orléans — Around 13,000 people marched peacefully against Marine Le Pen's National Rally party, which is holding a two-day conference there.
Context
The protests follow last weekend's riots and looting that saw more than 2,700 arrested nationwide. Many marches were banned or curtailed, and wet weather has helped police contain gatherings. France's interior minister reported 135 arrests across the country.
The unrest comes ahead of France's presidential election on 18 April and 2 May 2027, with candidates from Marine Le Pen's anti-immigration nationalist right and Jean-Luc Mélenchon's anti-capitalist left competing against centrist Emmanuel Macron. Le Pen blamed Mélenchon for the chaos and urged voters to "choose a different path," while Mélenchon accused the centrist government of either incompetence or a worst-case strategy.
Outlook
Authorities have been given breathing space for days at most, with more protests planned and rolling strikes called by unions from next month. France remains divided and volatile, with a deeply unpopular president at the Élysée Palace.
