Curfews Helped Keep French Cities Calm Overnight, Prime Minister Says

"The targeted curfews helped keep things calm overnight," Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu wrote on social media.

On Monday, Lecornu called on prefects in France’s departments to impose local curfews in ravaged cities. Curfews of varying severity were imposed in parts of central Paris and in several other major cities, including Bordeaux, Lille and Nice.

During the night, a helicopter flew over Place de la République in Paris, a common gathering place for protesters, shining a bright spotlight to ensure the square was empty.

In Lyon, a few hundred people gathered despite the ban on demonstrations, but to express support for the many business owners whose premises have been looted and vandalised.