Several cities across France have begun enforcing nighttime curfews aimed at minors following a surge in drug-related violence. The latest city to adopt these measures is Nîmes in the south, where officials believe these restrictions will shield those under 16 from exposure to violence and help ease tensions on the streets.
Recent violence included a series of shootings, one of which even occurred during the day, leading to one death and multiple injuries. Just last week, the tragic discovery of a 19-year-old man’s charred body was made on the outskirts of Nîmes.
Nîmes’ mayor Jean-Paul Fournier declared the situation “untenable” while announcing a curfew, which will run from 9 PM to 6 AM. He emphasized that drug traffickers have instilled a climate of fear in their community.
Deputy mayor Richard Schieven supported this initiative, asserting that the curfew is crucial for protecting not just rogue minors but also 12- and 13-year-olds from exploitation by drug dealers.
Further southwest in Béziers, a similar curfew has been active for residents under 13 since last year, which was recently extended to include 15-year-olds in select areas. Mayor Robert Ménard commented in 2024 that “a 10-year-old out at 2 AM is clearly just up to no good.” However, despite these measures, Béziers still faces ongoing violence; just this past weekend, police were targeted by youth using fireworks.
Limoges, also in southwestern France, managed to implement nighttime curfews for children under 13 during the summer holidays. Following violent clashes involving around 100 individuals recently, mayor Émile Roger Lombertie expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement, describing the curfew as ineffective without adequate police presence.
It’s worth recalling that two years ago, Nîmes was in the spotlight due to the tragic shooting of a 10-year-old boy caught in gang crossfire.
These recent announcements underline an alarming rise in drug-related violence, which has expanded beyond Marseille—the historical heart of gang activities in France. Government statistics reveal that in 2024 alone, 110 lives were lost and over 300 others injured due to drug violence.
French Interior Minister Gérard Darmanin and Justice Minister Bruno Retailleau have underscored the urgency of seconding their efforts against the drug crisis. Earlier this year, they successfully promoted a legislative bill through parliament that calls for the establishment of two high-security jails for major drug offenders, alongside enhanced prosecutorial authority, broader investigative powers, and protective measures for informants.
Darmanin stated on Tuesday that the first wave involved the transfer of 17 major drug traffickers to the high-security facility at Vendin-le-Vieil in northern France. In the spring, numerous attacks, including arson and shootings targeting French prisons, were attributed to drug gangs retaliating against the government’s crackdown efforts.
