Already struggling with flat growth and a large debt and deficit, the country faces a new period of instability without a functioning government or a budget.

The French government collapsed on Wednesday after losing a no-confidence vote, thrusting the euro zone's second-largest economy further into political crisis, and threatening its capacity to legislate and repair its precarious finances.

French President Emmanuel Macron will preside over the re-opening of Notre-Dame cathedral, with a number of world leaders present.