Letter from Paris: October 21, 2026 News Digest
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You’ve seen the news: images of looting, violent clashes, and devastation across France, after street protests turned into bedlam on October 17. France has a long and proud history of manifestations — the right to demonstrate, and make voices heard, is seen as part of the democratic process. Peacefully protesting for weeks, the high schoolers have valid grievances: teacher absences, large class sizes, and degraded facilities which all contributes to a difficult learning environment.
On October 17, these students were joined by crowds angry about the high cost of living — before being hijacked by casseurs (masked thugs) who pillaged shops and destroyed public property. Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds in Paris. The scene was chaos. In the end, more than 2,000 people were arrested and 1,000 police were injured in France. The cost to repair the damage will be in the millions.
As a result, many French cities imposed curfews, and President Macron gave a speech denouncing “unbridled violence,” while acknowledging students’ “legitimate” complaints. Politicians are all in an uproar, pointing fingers, in full presidential campaign mode. With France’s national debt at its highest level since 1946, it’s hard to see an easy solution.
This week, Parisians have been out cleaning the streets, rallying together and assisting shopkeepers. Things have cooled for the time being. The next protests are planned for Saturday, and the government — admitting to security failures during the October 17 riots — plans to deploy troops.
The nave and the grand staircase of the Grand Palais. Photo: Maxime Chermat pour RMN Grand Palais
It’s hard to think of anything else, but there’s other news in Paris at the moment. Art Basel Paris kicks off at the Grand Palais this week, and the city is celebrating the 200th anniversary of photography. Check out Marian Jones’ article for a run-down of all the expos and events. (Even if you’re not in town, the Paris Archives has put together a virtual exhibition that explores the evolution of photographic techniques.)
Outside of the city, a number of new cultural venues are in the spotlight. A new contemporary art center called Le Large opened today on l’Ile Seguin in Boulogne-Billancourt. Formerly home to a Renault car factory, this island in the Seine is also home to the La Seine Musicale concert hall. And in Pantin, the suburb north of Paris, a new cultural hub is prepping to open its doors in November. Les Grandes Serres de Pantin is housed inside a repurposed industrial hall on the banks of the Canal de l’Ourcq.
Lead photo credit : Place de la République. Photo credit: Britchi Mirela / Wikimedia commons
More in Art Basel Paris, Grand Palais, Paris protests
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