Protests Continue as Paris Shops Board Up Their Windows

A number of shops in Paris, France, have covered their display windows with wooden panels or plywood following demonstrations sparked by the high cost of living and rising fuel prices. The measure is intended to protect shops from potential damage ahead of a second wave of protests.

Reuters observed on 21 October 2026 that several shops in the French capital had put up wooden boards over their shopfront windows.

The scenes came several days after nationwide demonstrations called by the Yellow Vests movement.

Signs of vandalism were also still visible at some shops. A worker was seen cleaning graffiti from the window of an Alpine shop, while the symbol of environmental group Extinction Rebellion was visible on a Dior shop window.

Boarding up shopfronts reflects business owners’ concern about the possibility of further demonstrations. Some shops are taking steps to protect their property while waiting for security conditions to return to normal.