Protests across France over a worsening cost-of-living crisis and growing inequality descended into violence for a second straight weekend.

France's Interior Ministry said 410,000 people took part in protests in several major cities, including Paris.

After rioters set fire to the historic city hall in Limoges and looters smashed supermarkets and luxury boutiques in Lyon last weekend, French authorities greatly stepped up security ahead of Saturday's protests.

In Paris on Saturday, riot police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse a group of around 500 hooded youths who hurled stones at officers, Reuters quoted a security official as saying.

In France's second city, Marseille, youths dragged large metal sheets to block a street, set fire to rubbish bins, and hurled rocks and bottles at riot police.…