Masked rioters set fire to historic Limoges city hall during protests

Masked protesters burned down most of Limoges city hall on October 17, 2026, during nationwide demonstrations against the high cost of living. A group first set a police car on fire outside the building, then broke in through the windows. The fire destroyed about two-thirds of the Neo-Renaissance building, which was built in 1883. The roof fell in, and the bell tower also collapsed. Regional prefect Maurice Barate called it a "catastrophe" and said rioters had acted deliberately. Staff and police were inside at the time, but nobody was hurt. Around 5,000 people took part in the Limoges protest. Across France, between 550,000 and 800,000 people demonstrated, and about 400 were arrested during the day.