France: Tourists react to violent protests

School blockades led by students this month, mostly peaceful but disruptive, escalated into wider unrest and pockets of violence on Saturday amid concerns including the rising cost of living. On Wednesday, tourists in France described their reactions as more demonstrations were expected this weekend. Louisiana visitor Eliana Chanez said she was cautious about what she saw in the news but viewed protests as part of French culture and still enjoyed the city. Another tourist, who had experienced protests in Australia, called Saturday’s scenes shocking and frightening but understood that demonstrators were protesting against the government.