Left-wing former presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, who organised the protest, accused Mr Hollande of betraying his supporters.

BBC: French left rallies against President Francois Hollande

Voting intentions for far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen both gained two percentage points to 17% and 15%, respectively.

WSJ: Hollande Edges Sarkozy in New Poll

French left-wing party leader Jean-Luc Melenchon says he will run for the same seat as far-right rival Marine Le Pen in the forthcoming parliamentary polls.

BBC: French leftist Jean-Luc Melenchon to challenge Le Pen