Public transport stalled, schools closed their doors and tens of thousands of people took to the streets against Macron's austerity policies

Hundreds of thousands of people poured into the streets across France, piling pressure on the president and his newly appointed prime minister to abandon any austerity measures.

The U.S. State Department often issues travel alerts for high-risk parts of the world, intended as a warning to American citizens either not to travel or exercise caution in doing so. Such warnings for France specifically are not uncommon, with the country often experiencing unrest due to protests or strike action.

Protests in Paris and across France, venting anger at President Emmanuel Macron's government, see nearly 200 people arrested as fires are set in the capital.

Nationwide unrest broke out across France on Wednesday as protesters blocked roads, set fires and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas, as anger grows against the country’s political class.

Protesters obstructed highways, burned barricades and clashed sporadically with police in a show of anger against President Emmanuel Macron, the political elite and planned spending cuts.

The CGT trade union claims more than a million people took part in demonstrations, while police say more than 90 people have been detained.

France is bracing for potential violence as tens of thousands of protesters are expected to join a day of disruption across the country.

French police arrested 309 people, including 134 placed in custody, during nationwide protests attended by 1 million people against pension reform and falling purchasing power, BFM TV broadcaster reported on Friday.

Protesters hit France with transport strikes, notably targeting the Paris Metro, blockades and demonstrations Thursday, pitting the power of the streets against President Emmanuel Macron’s government and its plans to cut funding for public services that underpin the French way of life.