France imposes overnight curfews in parts of Paris and other cities as protests turn violent

Summary

French police and authorities imposed overnight curfews on Monday after protests that began on October 17 turned violent. In Paris, police barred anyone from entering or remaining on Place de la République, where rioting took place, and the Les Halles shopping neighbourhood, to try to prevent further disorder, according to The Hindu. Euronews described the riots as France's worst in years and reported that the streets were calm while police patrolled. Reports differ on the scope of the measures: CBS News described a curfew across the country, while The Straits Times reported partial curfews in Paris and some other cities, with the prime minister vowing a 'massive' police deployment. France 24 reported a generally calm night in the cities that imposed curfews, and said the government would maintain the measure where necessary on Tuesday night despite criticism from citizens.

Timeline

1. The Hindu

   20 Oct 2026, 01:45 UTCSource ↗

   The Hindu reports that Paris police issued an overnight curfew prohibiting anyone from entering or remaining on Place de la République, where rioting took place, and the Les Halles shopping neighbourhood, to try to prevent further disorder.

2. Euronews

   20 Oct 2026, 07:10 UTCSource ↗

   Euronews reports that Paris police imposed an overnight curfew on Monday around Place de la République and Les Halles after France's worst rioting in years, and that the streets were calm while police patrolled.

3. CBS News

   20 Oct 2026, 13:15 UTCSource ↗

   CBS News reports that French authorities instituted a curfew across the country on Monday night after protests ravaged the streets.

4. The Straits Times

   20 Oct 2026, 15:48 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that the government announced partial curfews in Paris and some other cities, and that the prime minister vowed a 'massive' police deployment after the riots.

5. France 24

   20 Oct 2026, 16:09 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that cities that imposed a curfew on Monday saw a generally calm night after the October 17 protests devolved into violent riots, and that the government said it is maintaining the measure where necessary on Tuesday night despite criticism from citizens.