In response to a weekend of violence and public disorder in Nice, the Alpes-Maritimes department announced tonight – Monday 19 October 2026 – that, in consultation with Mayor Eric Ciotti, a curfew and restrictions will be imposed on the coastal town.
What are the key points of the curfew and restrictions in Nice?
The Alpes-Maritimes department has introduced the following restrictions:
- A curfew each evening from 21:00 has been imposed on anyone under the age of 18, in central Nice
- Firework mortars and protective equipment used during public disturbances (including ski goggles, gas masks and helmets) are banned
- Foreign nationals arrested in connection with the disturbances could face the withdrawal of their French residence permits (Titres de Séjours), in addition to criminal prosecution.
The restrictions are scheduled to remain in force until 23:00 on Sunday 25 October.
The response of Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti
Mayor Ciotti, said on Monday evening that he is imposing the curfew for minors “to protect the people of Nice”.
He also said that he welcomes the decision of the Alpes-Maritimes department to withdraw residency permits from “foreign nationals arrested during the riots, in addition to any criminal convictions”.
He said it is “the firm action I had been calling for. There must be no impunity for those responsible for vandalism and looting.”
The mayor, who just last month officially announced his support for right-wing politician Marine Le Pen in the 2027 presidential election, thanked the prefecture for its decision.
Why has Nice introduced a curfew and restrictions?
The curfew and restrictions in Nice follow a weekend of violent protests and public disorder, amidst a broader wave of demonstrations across France. The head of the Alpes-Maritimes department, Jean-Marie Girier, said in his announcement that in the last couple of evenings 12 police officers in Nice had been injured.
The unrest, which has made world headlines, follows a protest movement that began in Paris in mid-September, initially involving high school students (protesting about poor schooling conditions), before spreading to other parts of the country. The demonstrations have since broadened to encompass wider concerns, including the rising cost of living and dissatisfaction with some government policies.
The authorities in Nice have introduced these latest measures in an effort to prevent further violence, vandalism and looting, while maintaining public safety.
