Fires burned on the streets of Paris on Sunday (October 18) as protests continued in the French capital and across the country.

The protests grew out of student demonstrations over teacher shortages and poor school conditions and have broadened to include grievances over rising living costs and public services.

Firefighters tackled fires in the streets, with thick black smoke rising from burning piles of bicycles and other debris.

Around 550,000 people took part in demonstrations across France on Saturday (October 17) according to the Interior Ministry, with most protests peaceful but violence, looting and fires were reported in several cities.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

PARIS, FRANCE (OCTOBER 18, 2026) (REUTERS – Access all)

1. PILE BURNING ON STREET / BLACK SMOKE RISING

2. PROTESTERS CARRYING SUITCASES, THROWING ITEMS OUT OF LOOTED STORE

3. PILE OF BIKES BURNING

4. MASKED PERSON THROWING AN EXTINGUISHER ONTO PILE OF BURNING BIKES, PEOPLE WATCHING

5. BIKES, OTHER ITEMS BURNING ON STREET, THICK BLACK SMOKE RISING

6. FIREFIGHTERS EXTINGUISHING FIRE

PARIS, FRANCE (OCTOBER 18, 2026) (CLPRESS – No use France)

7. VARIOUS OF POLICE IN RIOT GEAR CORDONING OFF FIRE

8. POLICE BACKING OFF

9. POLICE LOOKING, FIRE TRUCK AT SCENE

10. VARIOUS OF POLICE WALKING AWAY