Police resorted to using tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protesters, and by late evening only a small number were still present.
However, the nationwide strike had closed large parts of the transport networks across France and large parts of the country's rail, bus and air networks came to a halt. Airport authorities gave warning of delays and cancellations to services and passengers were urged to check with their airlines.
Schools, post-offices, banks, government offices and unemployment bureaux also experienced serious problems.
Protesters are vehemently opposed to the First Employment Contract (CPE), which will allow employers to terminate job contracts for under-26s at any time over a two-year trial period without having to give a reason or any advance warning.
