France imposes curfews as weekend rioting and looting spread across the country

Summary

Rioting and looting erupted across France over the weekend, and authorities conceded they had "lost control" in major cities. Curfews are now in effect in parts of Paris and other French cities as authorities try to restore order. Government officials have acknowledged "failures" in their handling of the unrest, and an investigation is underway to track down those responsible. Reports describe buildings set on fire, water cannons and tear gas used to clear demonstrators, and stores looted as violence spread across the country in recent days.

Timeline

1. NBC News

   19 Oct 2026, 10:53 UTCSource ↗

   NBC News reports that rioting and looting erupted across France over the weekend, with authorities conceding they had "lost control" in major cities, and that France is moving to impose curfews as it reels from its worst violence in years.

2. PBS NewsHour

   19 Oct 2026, 22:45 UTCSource ↗

   PBS NewsHour reports that curfews are in effect in parts of Paris and other French cities as authorities try to restore order after widespread weekend rioting, and that government officials have acknowledged "failures" in their handling of the unrest.

3. NBC News

   19 Oct 2026, 23:31 UTCSource ↗

   NBC News reports that curfews are in effect after violent protests engulfed France, with buildings set on fire, water cannons and tear gas used to clear demonstrators, stores looted, and authorities scrambling to restore calm.