Over 1,100 Vehicles Set on Fire During France New Year’s Eve

January 2, 2026

Paris — More than 1,100 vehicles were set ablaze across France during New Year’s Eve celebrations late Wednesday, authorities confirmed, as nationwide unrest accompanied festivities marking the arrival of 2026. The French Ministry of the Interior reported that a total of 1,173 vehicles were burned significantly more than last year and highlighting ongoing challenges with anti-social behaviour during holiday celebrations.

The ministry said that law enforcement officers intervened promptly in cases of violence and vandalism under firm instructions to maintain public order. Around 505 individuals were detained throughout the night, with 403 of them formally arrested and placed in custody for acts including violence, property damage, and participating in unlawful gatherings. Authorities described overall unrest as less serious than during the previous year, despite the rise in the number of vehicles torched.

Cities including Nice, Lyon, Strasbourg and Rennes witnessed fireworks being launched at police officers and gendarmes struggling to contain disorder in suburban neighbourhoods. Security forces mobilized around 90,000 officers and gendarmes nationwide, including approximately 10,000 in Paris and its suburbs, in anticipation of potential unrest.

Although a police representative noted that the disturbances were more limited compared to 2025, the number of vehicles burned still marked a troubling trend, underscoring persistent challenges in curbing episodic violence during festive nights. In several regions, fireworks and pyrotechnic devices were seized, and injuries related to their misuse were reported.

The tradition of setting vehicles on fire during New Year celebrations has been a recurring issue in France for decades, particularly in urban and suburban areas around major cities, attracting widespread criticism from authorities and citizens alike. This year’s incidents have once again triggered debate about youth unrest, public safety, and policing strategies during major holidays.