Mobs loot and burn as protests turn violent across France

Masked rioters torched a historic tourist office in Lyon and smashed their way into Marseille’s City Hall on Saturday as demonstrations across France erupted into arson, looting and street battles with police.

At least 272 people were arrested nationwide by midafternoon, according to the Interior Ministry, which blamed “ultra-left” groups for attacks on police, attempted looting and the targeting of government buildings and media outlets.

In Lyon’s central Place Bellecour, hooded rioters hurled projectiles and fired fireworks at officers as flames engulfed the tourist office, housed in a pavilion built in 1852. Police deployed tear gas and water cannon, while the violence initially prevented firefighters from reaching the burning building.

Looters also ransacked downtown shops, including a North Face store, while the Sofitel Bellecour hotel was vandalized, local outlet Lyon Mag reported. Lyon Mayor Grégory Doucet condemned the violence and voiced support for targeted businesses and emergency crews.

In Marseille, several dozen rioters used street barriers and kicks to batter open City Hall’s wooden doors, shouting: “It’s the revolution, we’re taking the Bastille!” Inside, they overturned furniture, toppled a bust of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic, and scrawled anarchist graffiti before police drove them out. Some wore yellow vests or carried Palestinian flags, AFP reported.

Mayor Benoît Payan branded the vandals “imbeciles” and “morons” and said President Emmanuel Macron had promised immediate police reinforcements. He described the damage inside City Hall as limited. Elsewhere in Marseille, rioters attacked a municipal police station, tearing away protective panels and throwing smoke devices inside. Authorities said an attempted fire was thwarted.

In Paris, a car and a newspaper kiosk were set ablaze, while police used tear gas and water cannon against masked groups throwing fireworks and other objects. Most peaceful demonstrators moved on with an organized march. The wider protests brought together students, labor unions and Yellow Vest supporters over rising living costs and deteriorating public services, following weeks of school protests over teacher shortages and poor classroom conditions.