The French statistical office Insee its industrial production figures on Thursday. Industrial production in France fell 0.3% in March, missing expectations for a flat reading, after a 0.5% rise in February. February's figure was revised up from a flat reading.

The decline was driven by declines in the production of energy and water.

On a yearly basis, the French industrial production rose 1.3% in March, after a 1.2% gain in February. February's figure was revised down up a 0.3% rise.

In the first quarter of 2015, industrial production grew 1.4%.

On a monthly basis, manufacturing output in France rose 0.3% in March, after a 0.5% gain in February.

Construction output climbed 0.9% in March from the previous year, after a 2.2% decrease in February.