A pair of armed robbers in France picked the wrong day to break the law when they raided their local McDonald's outlet on Sunday evening.

After bursting into the fast-food restaurant in Besancon, eastern France, the men fired shots, threatened patrons and demanded money from the till, reported the Telegraph.

They would have gotten away with €2,000 (NZ$3,253) in cash if not for a group of 11 off-duty members of the French paramilitary special forces who happened to be enjoying some burgers for dinner.

The elite soldiers, who specialise in hostage situations and counter-terrorism, waited till the end of the heist before springing into action, reported the Telegraph.

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Local prosecutor Edwige Roux-Morizot said: "It was out of the question to use their weapons, as this would have created difficulties and could have placed many people's lives in danger."

The hardened officers seized the chance to apprehend the robbers when one of them tripped on his way out.

The other robber was shot in the abdomen after he pointed a gun at them during his attempt to flee.

Both men were taken to Besancon hospital for treatment, reported the Telegraph.

They will appear in court on charges of armed robbery and violence.

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