The left-wing coalition of the Communists and Socialists, united under a "government program" swept the elections.
The Socialists gained Rennes, Angers, Brest, Nantes, Villeurbanne, Pau, and Cannes.
The Communists gained Le Mans, Reims, and Saint-Étienne.
For the first time since 1789 French Revolution, elections were held to the mayorship of Paris.
The former Prime Minister and RPR candidate Jacques Chirac was elected, defeating the Giscardian RI candidate Michel d'Ornano.