Marchers promise numbers will be up again once the Christmas holiday period is over.
ADVERTISEMENTThe Yellow Vests protesters in France decided to end 2018 like they had the previous weeks, by invading Paris to make some noise in the capital and gain support for their cause. But numbers were again down, even if it looks likely the movement will continue into 2019.
In Paris the crowds numbered in the hundreds, and many went to protest outside the state broadcaster and a rival news channel, angry at the way their story is being told by the media.
In Rouen about a thousand people marched, some setting fire to the doors of the Banque de France in the city. Some 2,500 marched in Marseilles and there were gatherings in many cities, with national turnout put at around 12,000, down from last week's 40,000.
In Bordeaux 2,400 marched, a near-identical number to last week, watched over by a large police presence, which did not hesitate to fire off tear gas as soon as stone-throwing and scuffles broke out.
A few arrests were made, and some protesters made the point of telling journalists that once the holidays were over the numbers will rise again.
"We're not six-week-old rabbits," said one, "We'll be back in January".