The French statistical office Insee its industrial production figures on Friday. Industrial production in France climbed 1.6% in August, exceeding expectations for a 0.5% rise, after a 1.1% drop in July. It was the biggest increase since April 2013.

June's figure was revised up from a 0.8% decline.

The increase was driven by a rise in manufacturing output. Manufacturing output was up 2.2% in August, while construction output increased 0.6%.

Output in mining and quarrying, energy, water supply and waste management declined 1.0% in August.

On a yearly basis, the French industrial production rose 0.6% in August, after a 0.7% gain in July.