PARIS, France – Luxury boutiques in Paris were among the businesses targeted during violent protests across France in October 2026, as masked groups smashed shopfronts, broke into stores and stole merchandise from some of the capital’s most exclusive shopping districts.
The attacks affected high-end retail areas including Rue Saint-Honoré, Avenue Montaigne, Boulevard de la Madeleine and Place Vendôme, where international fashion houses sell handbags, clothing, jewellery and fragrances.
Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Céline and Burberry were among the luxury brands to have suffered damage or been targeted during the unrest. Other affected retailers included Lacoste, Kenzo and outdoor brands Salomon and Arc’teryx.
The looting formed part of wider unrest that also affected supermarkets, electronics shops, beauty retailers and other businesses across France.
One of the most striking incidents occurred at Louis Vuitton’s boutique on Place Vendôme, an upscale Paris square known for its luxury jewellers and fashion businesses.
According to reports, six masked individuals used a heavy road barrier as a battering ram in an attempt to break through the store’s reinforced windows.
Dozens of people reportedly watched as the group struck the glass. The security windows withstood the blows, preventing the attackers from entering the premises.
Louis Vuitton’s boutique on Rue Saint-Honoré was also among the stores targeted during the unrest. Images published after the attacks showed damage to retail premises as workers began clearing debris and assessing the destruction.
Christian Dior’s retail premises were also caught up in the attacks, with reports describing damage and looting at stores associated with the brand.
Céline’s boutique on Avenue Montaigne was reported to have been ransacked, while Burberry’s premises on Rue Saint-Honoré were also targeted.
Other affected retailers included Kenzo on Boulevard de la Madeleine and Lacoste on Boulevard des Capucines.
These shopping districts attract international visitors seeking luxury fashion, leather goods, perfumes and accessories. The concentration of high-value merchandise made the stores prominent targets during the disorder.
Luxury fragrances also featured in reports about suspected stolen goods advertised online after the unrest. Dior perfumes appeared in resale listings at reported asking prices of around €250.
The attacks were not limited to designer boutiques.
Beauty retailer Sephora suffered disruption after several stores were ransacked. Sportswear and outdoor retailers also reported damage, while supermarkets and electronics shops faced theft and vandalism.
French retail representatives initially reported that approximately 1,500 retail locations had been affected. The government subsequently cited a higher estimate of at least 3,000 affected businesses.
The demonstrations took place amid public frustration over the cost of living, public services and government policies.
