French shares edged down on Thursday, with the benchmark Paris CAC 40 down 0.50 percent, or 26.41 points, to close at 5,216.88 points.

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

French multinational mass media conglomerate Vivendi advanced 1.49 percent, being the top gainer of the blue chips. French pharmacial group Sanofi rose 0.73 percent. French energy giant Engie gained 0.65 percent.

European aifrcraft manufacturer Airbus went down by 2.46 percent, the top loser of the blue chips. Global leader in consulting Capgemini lost 1.84 percent. Multinational luxury group Kering edged down 1.80 percent.