Fifth round of French student protests erupts into clashes (VIDEOS)

Officers fired tear gas as protesters hurled cobblestones during nationwide demonstrations demanding better learning conditions

Clashes between protesters and police continued in Paris on Tuesday as high school and university students staged their fifth round of nationwide demonstrations demanding better learning conditions.

In the capital, the most intense clashes took place at Place Vauban, a square near Les Invalides, the historic military complex housing Napoleon’s tomb.

Police fired volleys of tear gas, while protesters hurled cobblestones and launched fireworks at officers.

More than 6,800 people have been detained since the demonstrations began last month, when students joined striking public sector workers. Around 161,500 people took part in protests on Tuesday, including 41,500 in Paris, according to the Interior Ministry. Organizers put nationwide turnout at 480,000.

La tension ne retombe pas place Vauban. Les forces de l'ordre multiplient les charges et l'emploi de grenades pour repousser les manifestants en marge de la manifestation des lycéens et étudiants. https://t.co/Ac8YyhJ2Cz

— CLPRESS / Agence de presse (@CLPRESSFR) October 13, 2026

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