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Friday, 31 March 2006, 22:38 GMT 23:38 UK

In pictures: French protests

People listening to President Chirac's speech in Lille

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President Chirac made a televised address to the nation about his decision to back a controversial youth employment law (the CPE), after widespread protests.

Students demonstrating in the Chirac museum in Sarran, central France

Students demonstrating in the Chirac museum in Sarran, central France

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Students have used innovative ways of airing their grievances against the new legislation.

Protesters in Bordeaux

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Hundreds of thousands of students and workers have taken to the streets across France over the past three weeks.

A protest in Paris

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Organisers claimed that 700,000 people marched in Paris alone - in what was largely a peaceful protest. Police estimates were far lower.

Clashes in Place de la Republique in central Paris

Clashes in Place de la Republique in central Paris

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Several hundred people - mainly youths - clashed with riot police in Place de la Republique, on the sidelines of the march in the capital.

Water cannon in Paris

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Water cannon were later used to quell a group of protesters in Paris.

Protesters in Bordeaux holding placards

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These demonstrators in Bordeaux showed a clear message for French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin: "Trial period expired".

Protesters holding flares in Rennes, western France

Protesters holding flares in Rennes, western France

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Unions predicted the country's biggest day of action so far against the employment law.

Employee outside the closed Eiffel Tower

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The Eiffel Tower - one of the capital's main tourist attractions - was shut, as its workers joined the strike.

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