Police have pushed back and detained some protesting youth in Paris on the sidelines of a march by striking train workers.

At least 5 protesters were arrested and several others including an old women were injured some with serious injuries.

A group of citizens overtook the unions leading a march through the French capital Tuesday to protest reforms by President Emmanuel Macron's government.

A major French railway strike has brought the country's famed high-speed trains to a halt, leaving passengers stranded and posing the biggest test so far for President Emmanuel Macron's economic strategy.

Passengers are packing platforms or hitching rides on traffic-clogged roads and sharing travel tips online.

Traffic is also disrupted on Eurostar lines to Britain and trains to Germany, though most trains are running as usual.

Rail workers are protesting government plans to eliminate worker protections. It's part of Macron's broader plans to make France more globally competitive.

Strikes and protest actions Tuesday are also hitting Air France flights, garbage collection and universities.