Nationwide cost-of-living protests held across France on 17 October

On Saturday 17 October 2026, demonstrations against the high cost of living took place across France. Organisers had announced more than 600 actions, including marches in major cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille. It was the first of three Saturday protests planned ahead of a larger mobilisation on 5 November.

The crowds were varied. They included former "Yellow Vests" (the 2018–19 movement against fuel taxes), secondary school and university students, climate activists and some farmers. The day followed several weeks of school blockades, and rising fuel prices and living costs were among the main grievances.

The protests were largely peaceful in many places, but clashes with police, fires and looting were reported in several cities, and arrests were made. Turnout estimates differed between organisers and the Interior Ministry, as is common in France. The day mattered because it showed the breadth of discontent and set the stage for the 5 November protest, in a country heading towards a presidential election.