French police have begun breaking up one of the biggest Roma (Gypsy) camps in the city of Lyon, following a similar action in Paris on Monday.
Authorities said more than 120 people had been moved, by order of a court. Activists said many of those forced out were children and new-born babies.
The local mayor admitted the crackdown was “completely catastrophic” for the families involved.
The government has pledged new efforts to integrate Roma.
There are an estimated 15,000 ethnic Roma living in illegal camps across France.
As police moved into the Saint-Priest camp near Lyon on Tuesday, Roma families walked off the site without any provision being made to rehouse them.
Women carried babes-in-arms, men hefted pushchairs loaded with belongings, and a crane was deployed to pick up empty caravans.
‘Round in circles’
Martine David, the local mayor, admitted the Roma might just set up a new camp nearby.
