France's far-right National Front party dealt a major blow to the ruling Socialists after several of its candidates took prime position in the first round of local elections.

The main right-wing opposition UMP party also hailed a "big victory" on Sunday as initial polls showed it came out on top, amid severe disillusion with the government of President Francois Hollande against a backdrop of near-zero economic growth and high unemployment.

The strong showing by the National Front will alarm Europe's liberal progressives, with the party long associated with racism and anti-Semitic statements.

Al Jazeera's Emma Hayward reports from Paris.