Protests in France over education and the rising cost of living have escalated into widespread looting, with major retailers including Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Apple among the businesses targeted.
Several luxury labels, including Dior, have reportedly brought in private security teams to guard their Paris locations as police struggle to contain the unrest across the capital.
More than 1,800 people have been arrested, while President Emmanuel Macron vowed to pursue those responsible for the looting and accused them of attempting to “bring down the Republic.”
On Saturday, masked groups reportedly stormed Galeries Lafayette, the renowned Paris department store often compared with Bergdorf Goodman and Harrods. Footage showed storefronts being smashed and merchandise taken from the shelves.
An image of a heavily staffed private security detail protecting Dior’s flagship Paris store quickly spread across social media.
In Marseille, Hermes was among the luxury retailers hit, alongside shops selling jewelry, cosmetics and clothing.
Firefighters in the city also reported extinguishing a blaze that started inside a designer shoe store.
In Bordeaux, a masked crowd reportedly forced its way into a Louis Vuitton boutique, while demonstrators carrying red flags featuring hammer-and-sickle symbols marched nearby.
An Apple store in Lille was vandalized and looted. In Nice, attackers targeted sportswear retailers and a motorcycle dealership.
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The disorder began several weeks ago as a student-led protest, but it rapidly expanded into violent demonstrations and widespread looting across France.
Other factions, including left-wing activists and pro-Palestinian groups, have also used the unrest to promote their political causes.
Authorities said around 1,800 people were arrested nationwide on Saturday, while more than 500 police officers suffered injuries.
The violence has also affected historic and civic landmarks. In Limoges, rioters reportedly set fire to the 140-year-old city hall, while Lyon’s tourist office was also burned.
Speaking to the nation on Sunday, Macron said there was “nothing” that could excuse the violence witnessed across France over the weekend.
“Tonight, we all feel anger and shame,” Macron said in a televised address. He separated demonstrators with “legitimate demands” from those who “destroyed, smashed and looted.”
Macron warned that those responsible would be required to compensate victims for the damage, adding that anyone who tried to undermine the Republic would be held accountable.
The president attributed the “unrestrained violence” to radical far-left groups he described as insurrectionist, along with large numbers of criminals.
The turmoil followed remarks from Vice President JD Vance, who blamed mass immigration for the violent scenes unfolding in France.
“Western liberals imported the Third World into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion. They ignored fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility. They were told it would lead to this, and they didn’t listen,” he wrote on X.
“I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn,” Vance added.
