In pictures: France's shock

French pundits and voters alike had been resigning themselves to a re-run of the 1995 presidential election, with a straight choice between Jacques Chirac on the right and Lionel Jospin on the left.

But Jean-Marie Le Pen rocked the nation by overtaking Mr Jospin for the far right.

Outrage at Mr Le Pen's success has been palpable at rallies across the country

Mr Le Pen received a rousing welcome when he came out to address his supporters

He told them to go home in hope to wait for 5 May - the day of the run-off

Prime Minister Lionel Jospin said he was leaving politics after being edged out

Following the shock result, voters were urged by Mr Chirac to rally behind democratic values

For some, Mr Le Pen's success was too much - they say they are ashamed to be French

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in several places in France