The procession in Paris went along the route imposed by the government, between Porte de Bagnolet and Porte de Charenton. The Bastille-Nation route, chosen by the CGT, has been banned by the courts last minute.
I was there from 1pm to 5pm and it was very vibrant and cheerful.
Organisers say 500,000 people took part in the marches (200,000 in Paris); 320,000
according to the Interior Ministry.
On 24 October, the authorities counted 410,000 protesters in France, including 110,000 in Paris.
High school pupils demand better working conditions, more teachers, less pupils per class, and the end of 'parcoursup', an online inscription platform used for university registration generally deemed as unfair, impractical and chaotic.
They were joined by university students, trade unionists, political party leaders and elected MPs or mayors, including Bally Bagayoko (pictured just below), mayor of Saint-Denis, where the protests started, and some members of the anti-high-price group "yellow vests".
Most of them chanted all day anti-fascist, anti-racist and anti-police slogans and songs.
Placards also read: "No need for tear gas to make our future look bleak" and "Dressed up as an angry citizen for Halloween".
It was also a halloween-themed day, for sure... Who's afraid of who?
Do they care about us?
Trade unions and Yellow Vest activists angry at President Emmanuel Macron joined in with a variety of demands, particularly over the rising cost of living and inequality.
This was the third Saturday of protest against the cost of living in a row, but student protests have been ongoing since the beginning of September.
Street protests are also sweeping across the rest of Europe this Saturday - especially in Germany, Spain, Portugal, Albania and Italy (still not in the UK though...).
Student protesters vow to stage new blockades of high schools and universities next week.
"Starting this Tuesday, we will blockade our universities and high schools and we will do so again on Thursday before joining the demonstration on 5 November called by workers and trade unions," said Sabrine Kharbach, spokesperson for the Union etudiante union.
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For more you can listen to this radio show: NYC Frontlines Voices - WBAI Oct 2026
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