Sarkozy moves ahead in polls

In spite of recent heated attacks by Royal, Sarkozy's performance buttressed his lead in the polls and a TNS Sofres survey published on Friday showed him at 54.5 percent, compared to 45.5 percent for the Socialist.

The last polls of the campaign, one by BVA and one by IPSOS, both put him even further ahead on 55 percent to Royal's 45.

"It is hard to imagine the trend being reversed," TNS Sofres deputy head Brice Teinturier told a news conference.

Bookmaker William Hill said bets on the election had been pouring in, with big money going on Sarkozy; one man had put 18,900 pounds ($37,660) on him winning the presidency.