French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has ordered the closure of all non-essential public locations, including restaurants, cafes, cinemas and clubs, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
In the wake of a 25 per cent jump in the number of cases in one day, Mr Philippe also called on French people to reduce their travel, especially between towns.
France has reported a sharp rise in cases over the past day, from around 3,600 to 4,500.
A total of 91 deaths were confirmed on Saturday.
Mr Philippe said grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and other public services including transport would be allowed to remain open.
French President Emmanuel Macron also asked companies to allow workers to stay home.
French authorities had already shut down all schools, banned gatherings of more than 100 people and advised people to limit their social life.
Mr Philippe said these measures were "not well implemented".
"We must show all together more discipline," he added.
Mr Philippe confirmed that nationwide municipal elections would go ahead on Sunday but with special measures to keep people at a safe distance and clean shared material.
Voters were advised to bring their own pen to sign the voting register.
Tourist locations such as the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Versailles Palace both said that they were closing "until further notice" amid the French Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABC/wires
