World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Fire destroys Limoges town hall during protests in France
During protests in Limoges, central France, a fire tore through the town hall after people entered the building and set fires, according to reports.
The blaze spread to the roof, and the bell tower collapsed onto the building despite firefighters’ efforts.
The 1883 town hall is a protected historic landmark, and a local official said much of it was lost.
The protests were called over rising living costs and falling purchasing power, with students, workers, retirees and activists taking part.
Violence and damage were also reported in other cities, including Lille, Marseille, Lyon, Paris and Bordeaux.
Limoges Mayor Guillaume Guerin said he would file a formal complaint and seek punishment for those responsible.
Firefighting operations were still underway, and the sources give no further details about investigations or rebuilding.
A fire badly damaged the historic city hall in Limoges during protests across France on 17 October.
The building’s tower and roof collapsed, and a regional official said it was largely lost.
Several people entered the building before the fire broke out, according to reports.
Protests were called over rising living costs and other grievances, while violence and damage were reported in several cities.
French authorities and organizers gave different estimates of the number of people who took part in the protests.
- Who
- Protesters entered the city hall; the sources do not identify them.
- What
- A fire badly damaged the historic Limoges city hall, and its tower and roof collapsed.
- When
- 17 October 2026.
- Where
- Limoges, France.
- Why
- The fire occurred during protests called over rising living costs and, according to one report, poor school and university conditions. The sources do not state why the city hall was targeted.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Several people entered the Limoges city hall, according to reports, and the building caught fire.
The city hall’s tower and roof collapsed as the fire damaged the building.
The fire was still burning, according to NOS.
- Building
- Limoges city hall, built in 1883
- Damage
- The tower and roof collapsed
- Assessment
- Regional official Maurice Barate said the building was largely lost
- Protest date
- 17 October 2026
- Arrests
- Reports differed: Bild said at least 400; NOS reported more than 1,200
- Protest turnout
- French authorities said 550,000 people attended 110 demonstrations; action groups estimated 800,000
10 sources
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What people are saying
It is largely lost. The roof has collapsed onto the lower floors, except in the west wing, and two thirds of the façade have already disappeared.
You will be arrested. You came here to kill. Everything is on camera.