France holds the final round of municipal elections

French voters returned to the polls Sunday for the second and final round of municipal elections in over 1,500 communes.

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Britain's Skye Higgin riding Fly for You competes during the Prix du Grand Palais at the Le Saut Hermes international jumping competition at the Grand Palais

The vote is a test of the balance of power on France's local political map before the 2027 presidential race begins to take shape. It is also a measure of whether the far right can convert national momentum into control of major cities, where it has often struggled to break through.

The most closely watched contests are concentrated in major cities after a first round that left France's traditional left and right competitive, the far right strongly placed in several urban races, and President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance movement keeping a low profile in many of the most closely watched races.

After days of mergers, withdrawals and tactical deals between lists, three-way races remain common in the runoff.