Historic Limoges town hall gutted by arson amid nationwide cost‑of‑living protests

Fire destroys landmark town hall Video footage captured the moment the roof of Limoges’ historic town hall gave way as flames engulfed the structure. The building, dating back more than 140 years, suffered extensive damage, with the roof collapsing onto lower floors and a large portion of the façade disappearing. Only the west wing remained largely intact, according to the regional prefect who described the loss as a major blow to heritage.

Arson linked to protest unrest Authorities said the blaze was deliberately set by a group of masked protesters who had earlier torched a police vehicle outside the municipal complex. Witnesses reported the protesters breaking windows before igniting the interior. The incident occurred amid a wave of demonstrations across France over the rising cost of living, which saw both peaceful marches involving hundreds of thousands of participants and violent actions by fringe elements targeting public buildings, retail outlets and police forces.

Official reaction and arrests France’s interior minister confirmed that hundreds of individuals were detained in connection with the unrest, most of whom were adults. The president pledged that those responsible for the attacks would be prosecuted and punished. Local officials, including the prefect, condemned the act as a deliberate hooligan attack and highlighted the cultural significance of the damaged town hall.

Ongoing firefighting and community impact Fire crews continued to battle the blaze late into the night, working to prevent further spread to adjacent structures. Residents gathered to watch the fire, with reports of a municipal employee being comforted by a local councillor. In the surrounding city centre, several shops were reported as looted during the chaos. The incident adds to a broader pattern of property damage and law‑enforcement confrontations that have characterised the recent protests across the country.