France saw some of its most violent protests in recent years on Saturday, October 17, Reuters reported. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets over rising costs and deteriorating public services, with clashes and tear gas in several cities.

According to the Interior Ministry, about 272 people had been detained nationwide by mid-afternoon after violent incidents involving hooded individuals, including in Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers. Authorities described attempted looting, clashes with law enforcement, arson of street furniture and attacks on centers of power and media outlets, and blamed the unrest on the “far left.”

In Marseille, protesters stormed the town hall and the mayor secured police reinforcements after speaking with President Emmanuel Macron. In Lyon, police used a water cannon and a tourism office was looted and set on fire. In Bordeaux, the march degenerated into clashes just after it began. In Paris, the Police Prefecture reported around 100 arrests during the morning, before the ministry’s nationwide tally. 

The protests began last month in high schools in working-class neighborhoods of northern Paris, over teacher shortages and run-down facilities. They grew into a broader movement against inequality, public spending and living standards. On Saturday, Yellow Vests and climate activists joined in. Lola, a 19-year-old protester in Paris, said they are demonstrating because living costs and fuel are too high, and because students are being attacked and injured simply for asking for more teachers and decent learning conditions.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said stun grenades could be used in cases of “serious urban violence.” 

Travelers heading to France should follow local authorities’ guidance and check for possible transport disruptions and closures near march routes.