Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for France on Thursday. France's final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) climbed to 50.6 in September from 48.3 in August, up from the preliminary reading of 50.4.

The increase was mainly driven by a rise in output, which climbed at the fastest pace since March 2014.

"The French manufacturing sector moved onto a firmer footing in September, with business conditions improving slightly on the month. Output rose for the first time in three months, while new orders and employment broadly stabilised following recent periods of decline," Markit Senior Economist Jack Kennedy said.