Looters leave smashed stores amid shattered glass in Parish

Shops were ransacked and storefronts smashed as widespread looting and violence accompanied nationwide protests against rising living costs in Paris on Saturday.

Footage shows shattered shop windows, damaged entrances and debris scattered inside and outside businesses.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire condemned the destruction, warning that entire streets had been devastated and that the extent of the damage was considerable.

The unrest led to 1,200 arrests across France and left 150 police officers and gendarmes injured. 

The Interior Ministry put nationwide turnout at around 550,000, including 110,000 in Paris, while organisers estimated 800,000 participants.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, pledging that those who have engaged in destruction, attacked government offices and businesses, and looters will be prosecuted and punished.