French authorities have imposed new restrictions on demonstrations ahead of planned weekend rallies, following unrest that left shops looted and public buildings damaged.

President Emmanuel Macron said on 22 October that some gatherings would be prohibited. Demonstrations organised by groups such as trade unions could be redirected away from commercial districts. Authorities in Marseille and Lyon announced bans on Saturday protests.

The measures follow violence on 17 October during nationwide demonstrations over living costs and public services. Macron blamed organised ultra-left groups for the worst incidents.

Restrictions have already faced a legal challenge. In Paris, a student demonstration went ahead on Thursday after an emergency court injunction overturned a police ban, AFP reported.

The disruption is also reaching cultural institutions. Art Basel Paris said it would close early for the weekend, while the culture ministry announced Saturday closures affecting museums including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.

France’s interior ministry said it would deploy 20 per cent more police on Saturday than during the previous weekend.

The demonstrations will test the government’s ability to maintain public order while allowing peaceful protest. Student groups and other organisers have continued pressing their demands despite the tighter controls.