France extends night curfews beyond Paris following weekend violence

French authorities are expanding overnight curfews beyond Paris to Nice, Lyon and parts of the Gironde department following weekend protests marked by violence and looting, French broadcaster BFMTV reported Monday.

In Paris, a curfew will run from 10 pm to 6 am around Place de la Republique and in streets surrounding the Les Halles area.

The curfew applies to the entire population, not just minors, authorities said. A ban on demonstrations in certain Paris neighborhoods from 8 pm to 6 am was also announced.

Lyon will impose a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am in part of the Presqu’ile, the central area of the city.

Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti announced a curfew for minors from 9 pm to 6 am in streets in the city center, saying the measure is intended to protect residents, citing the “hordes of thugs who swept through the streets this weekend.”

In the Gironde department in southwestern France, a curfew will apply to minors who are not accompanied by a legal representative from 10 pm to 7 am until Oct. 26.

The department said the measure covers areas particularly affected by looting and vandalism on Oct. 17.

The restrictions come as authorities around France introduce curfews and other security measures following violence and looting during weekend demonstrations nationwide against the rising cost of living and fuel prices.

French authorities said earlier Monday that overnight curfews would be imposed in four northern communes -- Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain -- for two nights with the agreement of their respective mayors. Those restrictions will run from 8 pm to 6 am.

Denain has also introduced a separate nighttime 9 pm to 6 am curfew through Oct. 25.

Around 550,000 people took part in 110 demonstrations across France on Saturday, including 110,000 in Paris, while about 400 arrests were recorded nationwide, said Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Monday that he had asked prefects to introduce localized and partial curfews following the unrest.

He also announced a major judicial operation to prosecute those responsible for violence and looting alongside partial unemployment measures to support businesses affected by the violence.

Authorities have also announced restrictions on gatherings in Marseille.