Nationwide demonstrations drew an estimated 550,000 participants calling for increased educational funding and relief from surging living costs.
What began as peaceful marches rapidly deteriorated into widespread disorder, with vehicles and structures torched and commercial premises vandalized.
Security forces made over 1,200 arrests on Saturday, deploying tear gas and water cannons to restore order.
The violence represents an escalation of ongoing student-led demonstrations expressing mounting frustration with economic challenges and President Emmanuel Macron’s crisis management.
President Macron condemned the unrest via social media, vowing legal consequences for those responsible.
BBC correspondent Adina Campbell reporting from Paris.
Video editor: Zahra Fatima
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