France protests: Attack on La Rotonde bistro liked by Macron

Protesters in Paris have attacked one of French President Emmanuel Macron's favourite restaurants, as tensions over controversial pension reforms continue.

Riot police had to form a barricade around La Rotonde bistro, which was briefly set on fire.

Thursday was the 11th day of unrest since January, over legislation which envisages raising the retirement age by two years to 64.

The country awaits a decision on the validity of the legislation next week.

The Constitutional Council will rule on the reforms on 14 April, and has the power to strike down some or all of it.

The unrest, along with strike action, has caused disruption throughout France, and on Thursday demonstrations again took place across the country.

Trade union leaders are hoping for a large turnout to keep up momentum ahead of the council's decision.

"We haven't given up yet and we don't intend to," said public servant Davy Chretien, 50, quoted by AFP news agency in Marseille.

In Paris protesters threw stones, bottles and paint at police at La Rotonde - a historic cafe frequented by figures including Pablo Picasso. Mr Macron and his team celebrated there following his 2017 election victory.

Earlier, striking railway workers stormed the former headquarters of Credit Lyonnais bank, which now houses the BlackRock investment company and other firms.

Though the protests have been largely peaceful, there has been an element of violence since the government decided in March to force the legislation through the lower house of parliament - where it lacks an absolute majority - without a vote.

Mr Macron has defended the move, saying the reform is a necessity.