Rasmus Hojgaard equalled the course record with his nine-under-par round of 62 to hold a two shot lead after the opening round of the Open de France on Thursday.
Alexander Bjork lies in second place at seven-under par after an impressive round that included no dropped shots.
Paul Barjou is third at six-under-par, while Jamie Donaldson, James Morrison and Julien Brun share fourth place.
Hojgaard, 21, has won three DP World Tour titles.
