While the Rassemblement National is fielding candidates in 34 municipalities with over 100,000 residents, its highest hopes lie with Perpignan – already under the party's control – Toulon and Nice. It is mainly focusing on medium-sized cities in the northeast and southeast of France, its two traditional strongholds.

The highest-profile contest is for the mayorship of Paris - which has been under left-wing control for 25 years.

While the Rassemblement National is fielding candidates in 34 municipalities with over 100,000 residents, its highest hopes lie with Perpignan – already under the party's control…