Private security guards at sites such as the Eiffel Tower will be allowed to carry revolvers or semi-automatic pistols as part of the fight against Islamist terrorism in France.

The move was described by Le Figaro as a “revolution” in a country where the police are armed but which has tight gun controls for civilians. The National Consultative Committee on Human Rights denounced the change, to be introduced by the Macron government this week, saying it would lead to the spread of guns in society.

The interior ministry said it expected up to 3,000 guards to apply for a licence, which would be granted only if they were deployed at sites deemed to be at risk of a terrorist attack. These are likely to include