The issue has raised tensions and divided mayors who say they have not been been consulted by central government about the centres.

On Tuesday, shots were fired at the facade of a holiday camp building in Saint-Brevin on the northwestern French coast due to host 70 people evicted from the jungle camp. Police have launched an inquiry.

Emmanuelle Cosse, the French housing minister, on Thursday slammed "extremely racist acts", insisting that the migrants would be relocated regardless.

"We will open (welcome) centres to reach the 9,000 places because we cannot accept leaving people in the street and the mud when they have the right to asylum," she told Europe1.

"If (mayors) say no we will assume our responsibilities anyway," she said.