143-year-old Limoges City Hall destroyed by fire during nationwide protests in France

NEW AMSTERDAM, Berbice — October 19, 2026

Masked protesters set fire to the 19th century city hall in Limoges, central France, on Saturday, October 17, destroying about two thirds of the 143-year-old building.

The blaze ripped through the structure. The roof and the 43-metre bell tower spire collapsed into the lower floors, leaving the historic landmark gutted.

Local officials described the loss as a major disaster for local heritage. The building had stood for well over a century as one of the most prominent historic structures in the area.

The arson took place during widespread demonstrations across France over the cost of living, inflation and the state of public services. The protests spread through the country and turned violent in several places.

Police reported between 1,800 and 2,400 arrests nationwide following clashes, looting and fires targeting public buildings. The Limoges fire was among the most serious of the attacks on public property.

President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and order. He also vowed that those responsible for the destruction would be held to account.

The demonstrations were driven by public anger over the rising cost of living and the pressure of inflation on households. Those concerns were at the centre of the protests, even as the violence drew sharp attention to the damage done to public buildings.

There was no immediate word on how long it would take to assess the full extent of the damage in Limoges, or on what would become of what remains of the building.

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By LRTVS NewsWatch · Channel 10. This report first aired on LRTVS NewsWatch.