Limoges Town Hall ‘largely lost’ after far-left rioters set historic building on fire amid French unrest

A fire during France’s continuing anti-government unrest has left Limoges Town Hall, a protected historic building dating from 1883, “largely lost”, according to the local prefect. The damage to a prominent civic landmark underscores the destruction accompanying some demonstrations, though many of the marches have remained peaceful.

The prefect said the roof had collapsed onto lower floors, apart from the west wing, and two-thirds of the building’s exterior had disappeared. More than 500,000 people joined over 100 marches on Saturday, and about 400 were arrested, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said. Authorities also reported attempted break-ins and clashes in several cities; police used tear gas and water cannon against violent groups in Paris.