Like hung-over party-goers trying to remember what happened the night before, France is having an uncomfortable morning wondering - did we really do that?

Those who voted for Jean-Marie Le Pen out of frustration with the two main candidates - those who voted for fringe candidates because it seemed an amusing idea at the time - those who didn't bother to vote at all: many are now reproaching themselves for giving the National Front leader the best platform he's ever had in his life.

For two weeks, Mr Le Pen will have unparalleled access to public opinion, spinning his subtle web of populism and xenophobia. Everyone is busy reassuring everyone else that he has no chance of beating Jacques Chirac in the second round of voting 13 days from now.

Mr Chirac has spent the morning meeting other beaten candidates, trying to ensure that the unthinkable doesn't happen. But Mr Le Pen's success in getting this far has sent the French political establishment into paroxysms of self-doubt, as well as offering a huge boost to extreme right-wing parties across Europe.

No excuses

We spoke to Giles Corman at the polling organisation, SOFRES, who told us even Mr Le Pen will have been surprised by his success - and that no one predicted that Lionel Jospin could perform so badly.

For the two main parties, there are no easy excuses. Jacques Chirac's RPR party has conducted its campaign from the high point of the Elysee Palace - which he has occupied since 1995, but his campaign has been bogged down by allegations of corruption and sleaze.

The RPR are now confident of winning the presidency. We spoke to one of Mr Chirac's long time advisers, Pierre Lellouche, now an MP in Paris facing a difficult campaign in June.

In contrast, the Socialists are in despair. Their leader, Lionel Jospin, has presided over a thriving economy, but now must watch the final campaign from the sidelines. They're now in the humiliating position of sending out their troops on 5 May to vote for the despised Jacques Chirac.

We spoke one of Mr Jospin's close advisers, Jean-Noel Tronc.