Anti-racism groups joined French unions and a brand-new left-wing coalition in protests in Paris and across France on Saturday against the surging nationalist far right as frenzied campaigning is underway ahead of snap parliamentary elections.

The French Interior Ministry said 21,000 police and gendarmes would be deployed at the rallies with authorities expecting between 300,000 and 500,000 protesters nationwide.

In Paris, those who fear that the elections will produce France's first far-right government since World War II gathered at Place de la Republique before marching through eastern Paris.

A large crowd turned out in spite of rainy and windy weather, holding placards reading "Liberty for all, Equality for all and Fraternity with all" -- a reference to France's national motto -- as well as "Let's break frontiers, documents for all, no to the immigration bill."