Tourists at the Louvre museum in Paris on Friday were caught up in a protest by farmers who herded a small flock of sheep into the building, where they raced beneath the building’s iconic glass pyramid.
Louvre officials said there were no arrests made for the protest.
No damage to property was done and operations at one of the world’s most-visited tourist sites were not unduly disrupted, the officials said.
The few dozen protesters, from the Peasants’ Confederation, are angry at proposed subsidy cuts that they say unfairly punish small farms and favour big agribusiness.
The planned cuts are part of a broader reform of European Union agricultural policy.
Dairy farmer Laurent Pinatel argued that small farms deserve support because they are important to France’s economy, identity and culinary reputation.
France has a long and proud tradition of farming and has a reputation for producing high-quality meats and produce.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
France – French farmers protest by herding sheep to the Louvre – France 24.