They were mobilized for "freedom", according to their slogans.
In several cities in France, including Rennes, Marseille, Annecy and even Lyon, tens of thousands of people gathered this Saturday afternoon to protest against the extension of the health pass and the vaccination obligation.
In the capital, the thousands of demonstrators were divided into at least three gatherings: a first procession set off shortly after 2 pm from the Place de la Bastille, bound for the Porte de Champerret;
a second gathering was held at the Trocadéro at the call of Florian Philippot;
and a third left the vicinity of the Council of State, bound for the Place des Invalides.
Tensions erupted in the afternoon between protesters and law enforcement.
Several hundred demonstrators, including yellow vests, left the procession to move towards the Arc de Triomphe.