For two weeks, nationwide protests and strikes over the pension reform have disrupted French life and the country's economy, canceling trains, closing schools and shutting gas stations.

It's estimated losses from the strikes are up to 400 million euros a day.

The upper house of parliament voted 177-151 to pass the latest version of the pension reform bill, which is due to go before the lower house on Wednesday for a final vote.

But, at half-term, hundreds of school children and students have now gathered in central Paris as part of a nationwide demonstration.

The students, calling for the government to rethink its plans, say their protest will continue.

Baptiste Dantini, Demonstrator, said, "We are always so strong and we think that the movement hasn't even weakened. In fact we are determined. Young people will continue the movement."

Unions have called for another nationwide day of protests Thursday, even if all Parliament action on the bill is over.