The two robbers burst into the packed restaurant and immediately began firing warning shots to intimidate staff.

However, they didn’t realise 11 of the restaurant diners were off-duty members of the Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN), who specialise in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue.

Once the robbers left the restaurant, the elite team gave chase and quickly apprehended the pair.

One robber, carrying about €2,000 in cash, stumbled during his clumsy escape and was immediately taken into custody.

His partner was shot in the abdomen and arrested.

The pair are currently recovering in hospital and facing serious charges of armed robbery and violence.