The protesters carried placards and shouted slogans about protecting children.
This follows the rape and murder of eleven-year-old Lyhanna in Fleurance in southwestern France in June.
The murder of the girl has sparked outrage and led to calls for the resignation of Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin.
The demonstrations were held in around 110 cities across France, including Dijon in the east and Toulouse in the south.
In Paris, people demonstrated in what organizers called a “historic mobilization against sexual violence.” According to organizers, 100,000 people participated.
Behind the march were 180 organizations that are demanding new legislation to combat violence, work on prevention and support victims.
