An estimated half a million people took part in protests across France, demanding greater investment in education and action on the rising cost of living.
The demonstrations quickly descended into violence, with cars and buildings set alight and shops ransacked.
According to France's interior minister, around 400 people were arrested on Saturday as riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
The unrest follows weeks of student-led protests, with demonstrators joining forces to express growing anger over economic conditions and French President Emmanuel Macron handling of the crisis.
In a social media post, Macron denounced the violence and said that vandals and looters will be "prosecuted and punished".