A policeman was shot and killed on Wednesday during a narcotics checkpoint in Avignon.
The suspect fled, authorities said.
The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, goes there.
Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on Wednesday the death of a police officer, killed during an anti-drug operation in Avignon during which several police officers were targeted by gunfire.
The Montpellier PJ was seized of the investigation.
"Everything is being done to ensure that this heinous act does not go unpunished," the head of government said on Twitter.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said he was going there on Wednesday evening, citing a "terrible tragedy" and specifying that several police officers had been the target of shots.
The suspect fled
According to the first elements of the investigation, the facts would have occurred during a control on a point of narcotics.
The police crew, which included the gunshot officer, had been called up for "disturbing elements".
On the spot, they witness a drug transaction, carry out a control.
A suspect then takes out a weapon and hits the police officer at close range before fleeing on a scooter.
The Montpellier PJ was seized of the investigation.
Firefighters and police are currently on site, while Gérald Darmanin is expected in Avignon in the evening.