Champs Elysees prepares for a ninth round of protests

Shops were getting ready in Paris for a ninth round of yellow vest protest, using wooden panels to protect their displays in the neighbourhood surrounding the Champs Elysees avenue.

On the first Saturday of French sales (January 12), 5 000 security forces will be mobilised in the capital and 80.000 all over the country, authorities said.

The Champs Elysees has become a central gathering place for yellow vests at the end of protesting days and often the scene of violent clashes with police.

In nearby streets, small shops said they have suffered a loss of turnover and sometimes damage to their premises. They fear of being targeted by violent protesters on Saturday.

On Friday, (January 11,2019), tourists said they would avoid some places, such as the famous Paris avenue, so as not to meet the protesters' path.