French President Emmanuel Macron has impressed children, shooting a basketball into the net, scoring a free throw on the first try.

During a visit of a former industrial complex converted into a sports centre in the southwestern town of Tarbes, Macron was challenged by the young sports enthusiasts to shoot the ball.

He accepted the dare, taking off his jacket before netting a clean shot to applause and cheers from the children.

Through the visit at the L'Usine Escalade, listed as an Olympic training site for rock climbing, Macron aims to highlight the importance of sports in the country ahead of the Paris 2024 games.

Macron will attend the 18th leg of the Tour de France, in nearby Hautacam, later on Thursday.