It marked the first time they have ever reached the last-four of the global event.

The hosts, who had already upset the seeding by beating Hong Kong to top their pool, were ranked fifth to Australia's sixth in their quarter-final match-up at the Palais Des Sports Robert Charpentier.

Australia's far greater history in the sport made them the favourites, nonetheless, although an exuberant partisan crowd always seemed likely to narrow the gap.

It was the crowd that proved vital as Coline Aumard shocked former world number one Racheal Grinham 3-1 in the opening tie.

French number one Camille Serme then sealed the win with a 3-0 victory over Donna Urquhart before Laura Pomportes completed the job by overcoming Tamika Saxby, 2-0. 

"I have been working with some of these players for around 20 years, so to achieve this - in Paris - is amazing," said team coach Philippe Signoret.

"I am very pleased for the team. I guess this is the best moment of my career."

France will have the tough task of facing number one seeds Egypt for a place in the final after they favourites enjoyed a straightforward 3-0 success over United States.

Nouran Gohar beat Olivia Blatchford 3-0 and Nour El Sherbini overcame Amanda Sobhy 3-1 before Raneem El Welily won 2-0 in the dead rubber over Reeham Sedky.

There was another shock in the other half of the draw as fourth seeds Hong Kong won 2-1 against third-ranked Malaysia.

Joey Chan put Hong Kong ahead with a 3-2 win over Delia Arnold in a 57 minute thriller.

Nicol David levelled proceedings by powering past Annie Au 3-0.

But, in another 56 minute epic, Tong Tsz-Wing then edged Sivasangari Subramaniam 3-1 to secure the win.

Defending champions England avoided any upsets with a comfortable 3-0 success over New Zealand in the final tie.

Sarah-Jane Perry overcame Megan Craig 3-1, Laura Massaro beat Joelle King 3-0 and Victoria Lust won 2-0 over Amanda Landers-Murphy.

England will face Hong Kong in the second semi-final.