Paris protesters set fire to Macron's favorite restaurant

The riot police had to create a barricade around the bistro of La Rotonde, which was set on fire for a while, writes BBC.

Thursday was the 11th day of unrest since January over legislation increasing the retirement age by two years, from 62 to 64.

France expects a decision on the validity of legislation next week.

The Constitutional Council will decide on reforms on 14 April and has the power to hit a part or all.

Macro is currently in China to meet President Xi Jinping.

The riots, along with the strike action, have caused divisions throughout France, and demonstrations were again held throughout the country on Thursday.

Union leaders hope for a strong turnout to continue the momentum ahead of the council's decision.

“We haven't surrendered yet and we don't intend,” said public official Davy Chretien, 50, quoted by the AFP news agency in Marseille.

In Paris protesters threw stones, bottles and paint at police in La Rotonde a famous cafe frequented by figures, including Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Macron and his team celebrated there after his victory in the 2017 elections.

Previously, railway strike workers attacked the former Credit Lyonnais bank headquarters, which now houses BlackRock investment company and other firms.

France's Interior Ministry estimated that 570,000 people participated in Thursday's strikes, though French unions claimed the number was much higher, at nearly two million.

Unions have called for new strikes and protests on April 13th before the reform decision.

Although the protests have been largely peaceful, there has been an element of violence since the government in March decided to impose legislation through parliament's lower house, where it lacks the absolute majority without a vote.

Macron has defended the move, saying reform is a must.