The Local France

Marches and muguet: Why May Day is so important in France

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 19:36:17 +0200

May Day is celebrated around the world, but it has particular significance in France.

IN PICTURES: Scuffles and arrests in Paris as thousands mark May Day across France

Sat, 01 May 2021 20:59:50 +0200

Police scuffled with protesters in Paris on Saturday, firing tear gas, as thousands turned out across France for May Day workers' rights demonstrations.

In Images: Anti-capitalist protesters run riot in Paris May Day violence

Wed, 02 May 2018 11:34:02 +0200

The traditional May Day rally in Paris was overshadowed by violence on Tuesday as hundreds of radical anti-capitalist protesters ran riot in the French capital.

Violence mars pre-election May Day marches in France

Mon, 01 May 2017 17:47:10 +0200

France's traditional May 1 union marches erupted into violence on Monday, highlighting the divisions six days before a crunch presidential election.

May Day march in Paris descends into violent clashes

Mon, 02 May 2016 09:31:03 +0200

Clashes erupted between police and protesters during the annual May Day march in Paris on Sunday.

Far-right and left march in rival May Day rallies

Fri, 02 May 2014 10:40:00 +0200

Thousands took to the streets of France in traditional May Day protests on Thursday with rival rallies held by the National Front, whose leader Marine Le Pen lambasted the European Union and the country’s trade unions, who demanded an end to austerity.

How many were really at Sarkozy's rally?

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:19:00 +0200

Nicolas Sarkozy’s May Day rally at the Place du Trocedero, in front of the Eiffel Tower, was at the centre of an age-old dispute yesterday – the number of people estimated to have attended.