Thousands of people marched across France on Saturday, 26 September, to demand urgent action on climate change. Around 260 rallies were listed nationwide, calling for action on the climate, wildlife, peace and social justice. The protests came after a record summer of heat and wildfires in western Europe.
In Clermont-Ferrand, a car forced its way through the crowd and lightly injured four people. The 37-year-old driver tested positive for drugs, according to the local prosecutor. In Paris, several thousand people gathered at Place de la Republique from 5pm, holding signs such as “Non-assistance, the planet in danger” and “Citizens for trees.”
One 27-year-old from Bayonne said the issue is hugely important, pointing to the wildfires in the Arcachon basin. She was slightly disappointed by the turnout, blaming the pope’s visit to France. A 38-year-old mother who came with her two young children said she fears for them and feels ashamed when they ask why her job is not saving the planet.
In Arras, several hundred people marched, including Green presidential candidate Marine Tondelier, who came with her newborn. A 70-year-old retiree said climate action will be decisive in her vote in the May 2027 election. Organisers are calling for emergency plans funded by taxes on the superprofits of fossil fuel and arms companies, plus a wealth tax. Greta Thunberg backed the marches, noting that more than 8,000 people died in France this summer because of the heatwave.
Reference
Le Monde avec AFP. (2026, September 26). Marches pour le climat : des milliers de manifestants partout en France après un été de tous les records [Climate marches: thousands of protesters across France after a record summer]. Le Monde. https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2026/09/26/marches-pour-le-climat-des-milliers-de-manifestants-partout-en-france-apres-un-ete-de-tous-les-records_6783442_3244.html