French 'yellow vests' demonstrators staged their 20th week of anti-government protests today despite bans in hotspot areas, as banks called for an end to violence against branches, cash machines and personnel.
Police had struggled the previous weekend to contain violence by highly-organised demonstrators who smashed shop windows and set fire to newspaper kiosks and a bank in the capital.
Local authorities on Saturday declared iconic sites such as the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris and the centre of Bordeaux, in southwestern France, off limits to demonstrations.
Police line the streets with their shields today as French yellow vest demonstrators stage their 20th week of anti-government protests
French riot police officers raise their shields and lift their batons into the air as they are left tackling some protesters who became violent on the streets of Avignon
In other scenes some protesters, dressed in black and covering their faces, are seen clashing with the French police in Avignon, France
French riot police officers run along a street in Avignon, France, today as demonstrations turn violent and some protesters clash with the authorities. In Bordeaux, residents were urged to stay indoors as clashes broke out in the city
A protester places his hands at the back of his head as he faces anti-riot police in Bordeaux, western France, today on the 20th day of demonstrations
The presidential Elysee palace and the National Assembly were also cordoned off by police.
President Emmanuel Macron has reacted to the Saturday protests, which began last November, by embarking on a cross-country tour as part of a 'Great National Debate' aimed at encouraging disgruntled citizens to express themselves through a structured dialogue.
The protests began in rural France on November 17 over fuel tax increases and quickly ballooned into a full-scale anti-government rebellion.
In recent weeks, the protesters' numbers have dwindled but those still on the streets appear more determined.
French riot police are left removing one protester from the streets as the demonstrations across the French capital become violent
Police stand guard in Bordeaux, western France, as Yellow Vest protesters walk through the city's streets in their hundreds
Protesters from the 'Gilets Jaunes' (Yellow Vest) movement hold flags and picket signs as they walk along a street in Paris today
A woman wearing metallic-coloured make up and a Phrygian cap stares at an anti-riot police officer during a demonstration in Bordeaux, western France
Women wearing Phrygian caps hold a placard reading 'Free yourself! Join us!' in Bordeaux, western France, as anti-riot police stand guard
Yellow vest protesters stand behind a large banner as the French capital witnesses yet another week of protests on its streets
Determined Yellow Vest protesters walk along the streets of the French capital as demonstrations continue across the country
A mass congregation of Yellow vest protesters gather in front of the train station during the 20th consecutive national protest in Bordeaux, France
A protester wearing a luchador mask and dressed in a blue jumper raises his arms while holding the French flag at the Gare
