French President Emmanuel Macron says that the Islamic State militant group, which is believed to be behind the deadly attack at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, had also attempted to hit France.

Macron told reporters during a visit to French Guiana on Monday that the group has attempted terror attacks several times in France over the past few months.

France has raised its security alert warning to its highest level. The French prime minister's office on Sunday warned that the risk of terrorism is rising.

Officials said they are stepping up security in places of worship and other sites that draw crowds.

France's security alert system has three levels. The highest level was activated last October, when a high school teacher was killed by a Muslim man in the country. This came right after the conflict in Gaza started.

The alert was later lowered, before being raised again this time.

French authorities are vigilant against terrorism, as the Paris Olympics and Paralympics will get underway this summer.