Police fired tear gas and clashed with protesters on the outskirts of Paris in a third weekend of nationwide demonstration against the rising cost of living and poor public services.

Over 320,000 people took to the streets around the country and at least 290 protesters were arrested, according to France's interior ministry.

Police say about 70,000 participated in the demonstration in Paris.

The authorities prepared extensively to avoid a repeat of the violence, rioting and looting that happened two weeks ago.