Video: Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Rolex stores looted during violent France protests

Luxury storefronts became targets of looting across France on Saturday, with stores belonging to Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Rolex and Apple among the businesses ransacked as cost-of-living protests escalated into violent clashes, arson and vandalism.

In Bordeaux, looters struck some of the most recognisable retail names, including Apple and Louis Vuitton, along the busy Rue Sainte-Catherine shopping street. AFP reported that masked individuals broke into several shops, turning a major shopping stretch into a scene of destruction.

The attacks were not confined to Bordeaux. An Apple Store in Lille was also looted, AFP reported, while a Hermes boutique and Rolex in Marseille were among the businesses targeted, according to regional news outlet Maritima.

In Paris, masked demonstrators vandalised shops and restaurants, set parked cars ablaze and clashed with police. With the unrest threatening commercial districts, luxury retailer Dior deployed its own security personnel outside its flagship store.

Amid the scenes of vandalism, an individual climbed onto the statue of Joan of Arc at Place des Pyramides in Paris, an unusual sight against the backdrop of spreading disorder.

In another incident, a distressed shop owner was filmed pleading with rioters in France not to loot her store, but the crowd ignored her pleas and pushed her aside as they entered the damaged shop.

In the video, the woman is heard asking, “Why are you doing this?” and shouting, “This is not the cause,” as the looters continue ransacking the store. The footage then appears to show onlookers cheering as masked rioters leave with their arms full of stolen goods.

The violence extended well beyond high-end shopping districts. Dozens of businesses, including supermarkets, pharmacies, clothing stores and electronics retailers, were looted across several French cities.

Public buildings were also targeted. In Lyon, a tourist office was set on fire, while town halls in Marseille and Lille were broken into and vandalised.

In Limoges, masked protesters broke into the town hall and started a fire that largely destroyed the more than 140-year-old building, according to the region's top official.

More than 1,200 people were arrested and 150 police personnel were injured, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said. Police deployed tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters as clashes, looting and fires continued across several cities.

The unrest came as demonstrations over the cost of living, government spending and public services escalated into widespread disorder. According to France's Interior Ministry, around 550,000 people took part in demonstrations nationwide, including an estimated 110,000 in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and warned that those responsible would face legal consequences.

“Those who carried out vandalism, attacked administrative offices or businesses, or carried out looting -- even in our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished,” Macron wrote on X late Saturday.

Lecornu also criticised what he described as “violence of extreme intensity” during the demonstrations.

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