What to know about France's high-stakes election, where the far right is gaining ground

France is about to hold parliamentary elections that are shaping up to be among its most divisive in recent history.

With the first round on Sunday, the rising popularity of the far right ahead of the surprise election is sending shockwaves across Europe and beyond.

President Emmanuel Macron unexpectedly called what’s known as a snap election after France’s far-right nationalists clobbered his centrist party in the country’s vote for European Parliament earlier this month.