Story coverage

France votes in local elections seen as crucial indicator for presidential poll

Ballots in 35,000 villages, towns and cities will be closely watched for signals about party strategies and alliances

French far-right party holds its biggest city in first-round local elections

National Rally leader urges voters to back party’s ‘common sense’ campaign in final round as it eyes taking another city

French voters head to polls in early municipal test before 2027 presidential election

Voters are going to the polls Sunday in the first round of municipal elections to choose leadership teams across France, from small villages to the biggest cities - a test for political parties' electoral machines before next year's presidential election for the successor to President Emmanuel Macron.