Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for France on Wednesday. France's final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) increased to 48.4 in May from 48.0 in April, up from the preliminary reading of 48.3.

Output slid a fastest pace since April 2015, while employment dropped at the sharpest since August 2014.

"French manufacturers continued to face a difficult operating environment in May, with output and employment falling at sharper rates. Soft demand conditions continue to hold back new order intakes, leading manufacturers to cut their output prices further in a bid to stimulate sales," Markit Senior Economist Jack Kennedy said.