France's economy grew by 0.5 percent q-o-q in the second quarter of 2017, according to a first official estimate from Insee. That matched the pace seen in the first quarter and economists' forecasts as well.

The French economy was helped by a rebound in exports, which surged 3.1 percent q-o-q in the second quarter, following a 0.7 percent q-o-q drop in the first quarter. Meanwhile, growth in imports eased to 0.2 percent q-o-q from 1.2 percent q-o-q.

Household consumption and government spending also contributed positively to the GDP. Household spending growth improved to 0.3 percent q-o-q from 0.1 percent q-o-q, while government spending jumped 0.4 percent q-o-q following a 0.3 percent q-o-q rise a quarter ago. However, business investment slowed to 0.5 percent q-o-q in the second quarter from 2.1 percent q-o-q in the first quarter.

On an annual basis, the French GDP grew by 1.8 percent in the second quarter, the highest level since 2011.