9. The rate of expansion, however, remained marked overall. Output growth was driven by the Post & Telecommunications sub-sector, followed by Transport & Storage companies. Buoyant economic conditions and higher client demand were cited by panellists as factors supporting growth.

Alex Gill, Economist at IHS Markit which compiles the France Services PMI survey, said: "The French service sector lost some momentum but continued to grow at a robust pace at the start of the third quarter. New orders, output and employment all rose at rates above their historical averages, while a pickup in business confidence suggests the sector looks well-placed as we move into the second half of the year."