French shares edged down on Thursday, with the benchmark Paris CAC 40 down 0.29 percent, or 15.52 points, to close at 5,368.29 points.

A total of 11 of the 40 selected large companies gained in the day.

The international retailer Carrefour advanced 3.42 percent, the top gainer of the blue chips. French producer of distilled beverages Pernod Ricard rose 3.36 percent. French international energy management specialist ENGIE gained 1.37 percent.

French international communications giant Publicis went down by 6.58 percent, the top loser of the blue chips. French automobile equipment producer Valeo edged down 3.15 percent. French automobile producer Renault lost 1.91 percent.