French voters are choosing their next president after an unpredictable campaign that has divided the country.

The second round contest pits centrist Emmanuel Macron, a 39-year-old former investment banker, against the far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen, 48.

Voter turnout was 28.2% by 12:00 local time (10:00 GMT), lower than that of previous presidential elections.

The vote is being closely watched across Europe, as the results could affect the future of the EU.

Polling opened at 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) and the final stations close at 20:00 (18:00 GMT), with early estimates of the result set to be reported immediately after.